Nice struggles in Ligue 1 relegation fight following goalless draw with Metz

The OGC Nice squandered a golden opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone at home against FC Metz, managing only a 0-0 draw. With Auxerre and Le Havre securing vital wins elsewhere, the Gym now face a two-legged playoff to preserve their Ligue 1 status.

a missed chance to secure safety

While the result against the league’s strugglers may not be the most painful in the standings, the Niçois will rue their failure to claim three points at home. The draw leaves them in the fight for survival, with Auxerre—their direct rivals—defeating Lille (2-0) and Le Havre triumphing at Lorient (2-0). These results further complicate Nice’s already precarious position in the relegation battle.

playoffs await in the fight for top-flight survival

The Reds and Blacks must now navigate a high-stakes playoff against Saint-Étienne, scheduled for May 26 and 29—just days after the Coupe de France final against Lens at the Stade de France on May 22.

The upcoming fixtures present a daunting challenge: Nice will face Lens in the Coupe de France final before immediately preparing for their first playoff match. The pressure is mounting as the club fights to avoid dropping down to Ligue 2 for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

next crucial match

Before the playoffs even begin, Nice has one more major fixture to contend with: the Coupe de France final against Lens on Friday, May 22, at 9 p.m. With their league survival hanging in the balance, the outcome of this match could further define their season’s narrative.