Nice’s hopes of avoiding the playoff vanished despite a home fixture against Metz, the league’s bottom side. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate, leaving the Côte d’Azur side rooted to the 16th position with no escape from the dreaded playoff.

The atmosphere at the Allianz Riviera turned chaotic as frustrated Nice supporters invaded the pitch, reflecting the club’s precarious position. Their playoff opponents, Saint-Étienne, secured their spot after overcoming Rodez in the Ligue 2 playoffs last Friday.

Le Havre and Auxerre secure survival with dominant performances

While Nice’s fate hung in the balance, Le Havre and Auxerre delivered commanding victories away from home to guarantee their Ligue 1 status for another season.

Auxerre’s 2-0 win at Lille was a masterclass in resilience. Lassine Sinayoko, the Ivorian striker, emerged as the hero with a brace of goals in the 32nd and 90th minutes, his 11th and 12th goals of the campaign. Christophe Pelissier’s men produced a stunning display to outclass the Lille side.

Simultaneously, Le Havre’s 2-0 triumph at Lorient ensured their survival. Despite Lorient’s dominance for stretches, defensive errors proved costly. Abdoulaye Faye’s own goal in the 33rd minute and Issa Soumaré’s strike in the 62nd minute handed the visitors a deserved victory. Bamba Dieng’s missed penalty in the 45th+5 minute added to Lorient’s misery.