Rodez shocks Red Star in dramatic Ligue 2 playoff clash

The road to Ligue 1 just got a lot more exciting. In a thrilling playoff match at Stade Bauer, Rodez stunned Red Star with a 3-2 victory, overturning a two-goal deficit in a game packed with drama, goals, and unforgettable moments. This nail-biting encounter has sent Rodez straight to Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne for the next round, where they’ll aim to secure their place in France’s top flight.

Rodez’s dramatic comeback stuns Red Star at Stade Bauer

The match began with Red Star taking an early lead through Kevin Cabral (15′), who rose majestically to head home a cross from Damien Durand. The home side pushed hard, but Rodez equalized before halftime when Ibrahima Baldé (29′) pounced on a loose ball to beat Gaëtan Poussin after a physical battle in the box. The atmosphere at Bauer was electric, with fans singing Sweet Caroline to rally their team.

In the second half, Red Star restored their lead when Josué Escartin (61′) slotted home after a clever pass from Cabral. But Rodez would not be denied. Mathis Magnin (67′) leveled with a stunning volley from a corner, and just two minutes later, Wilitty Younoussa (69′)—making his first league goal of the season—completed the turnaround with a composed finish past Poussin. The Red Star faithful watched in disbelief as their team collapsed in the dying minutes.

The climax came in stoppage time when Giovanni Haag was sent off for verbally abusing the referee, sealing a night of heartbreak for the Parisian outfit. Rodez, meanwhile, celebrated their first win in a month and extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 2 since November—a streak that has now seen them claim a place in the next round.

Rodez set for high-stakes showdown in Saint-Étienne

The victory sends Rodez to Geoffroy-Guichard for a clash that promises fireworks. With a passionate away following expected to fill the stadium, the underdogs from Aveyron will look to carry their momentum forward and close in on a historic promotion to Ligue 1. For Red Star, the loss marks a frustrating end to a campaign full of promise, leaving their supporters to wonder what might have been.

Red Star (5-3-2):

• Goalkeeper: Gaëtan Poussin
• Defenders: Sylla, Durivaux, Escartin, Huard (Haag, 62′), Durand
• Midfielders: Danger, Pierret, Hachem (Ba, 75′)
• Forwards: Cabral (Khaoui, 75′), Ikanga (Benali, 62′)
• Manager: Grégory Poirier

Rodez (3-5-2):

• Goalkeeper: Quentin Braat
• Defenders: Galves, Laurent, Magnin, Lipinski, Jean-Lambert (Ponti, 66′)
• Midfielders: Mendes (Benchamma, 90’+2), Trouillet (Saka, 86′), Joly (Younoussa, 66′)
• Forwards: Baldé (Nagera, 86′), Arconte
• Manager: Didier Santini