Scoreless start in high-stakes play-off clash
The atmosphere is electric at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as St Etienne hosts Nice for the first leg of the Ligue 1 / Ligue 2 play-offs. As we reach the 23rd minute of play, the score remains locked at 0-0. Both sides are showing caution in this opening phase of the 3rd matchday encounter, with Benoît Bastien officiating the proceedings on this Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Early injury blow for Nice
The visitors faced an early setback just 11 minutes into the game. Midfielder H. Boudaoui was forced to leave the pitch due to an injury. Claude Puel acted quickly, sending C. Vanhoutte into the fray to maintain the team’s tactical balance. Despite this disruption, Nice has controlled 54% of the possession in these opening stages.
Starting lineups and tactical setups
Both managers have opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation to start this crucial tie. Philippe Montanier has fielded a disciplined St Etienne side, while Nice looks to leverage their technical superiority in midfield.
St Etienne (ASS) Starting XI:
- G. Larsonneur (Goalkeeper, Captain)
- J. Le Cardinal, D. Appiah, M. Bernauer, K. Pedro (Defense)
- A. Kanté, L. Gadegbeku (Defensive Midfield)
- Z. Davitashvili, A. Boakye, I. Cardona (Attacking Midfield)
- L. Stassin (Forward)
Nice (NIC) Starting XI:
- Y. Diouf (Goalkeeper)
- K. Peprah Oppong, M. Bard, J. Bah, A. Mendy (Defense)
- M. Sanson (Captain), H. Boudaoui (replaced by C. Vanhoutte) (Midfield)
- S. Diop, J. Clauss, Tiago Gouveia (Attacking Midfield)
- M. Cho (Forward)
First half statistics (23 minutes)
The game has been a tactical battle so far, with few clear-cut opportunities for either side. Here is the breakdown of the match stats at the midpoint of the first half:
- Possession: St Etienne 46% – Nice 54%
- Shots on target: 0 – 0
- Total passes: St Etienne 94 – Nice 110
- Pass accuracy: St Etienne 83 – Nice 94
- Duels won: St Etienne 6 – Nice 7
- Fouls committed: 1 – 1
With the return leg scheduled for May 29, both teams are aware that every mistake could be costly. St Etienne is looking to use their home advantage to secure a lead before heading to the coast, while Nice seems content to circulate the ball and wait for an opening.
