A late substitution proved pivotal as manager Philippe Montanier introduced substitute goalkeeper Brice Maubleu in the final moments, replacing captain Gautier Larsonneur. The 36-year-old shot-stopper delivered a masterclass, making four crucial saves to guide his team to victory and keep their promotion hopes alive.

The match itself was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rodez, riding a 21-game unbeaten streak, tested Saint-Étienne’s defense early, with Wilitty Younoussa hitting the post in the 21st minute and Tairyk Arconte forcing Larsonneur into action at the death of the first half.

In the second period, Rodez faded while Saint-Étienne grew more assertive, though without truly threatening Braat’s goal. A late strike from Aïmen Moueffek was comfortably saved, and a missed penalty by Sammy Benchamma sealed Rodez’s fate as Saint-Étienne’s next opponent remains uncertain until Sunday’s Ligue 1 finale.

Maubleu’s heroics in the shootout

The deciding moments belonged entirely to the bench goalkeeper. Maubleu’s initial saves put his team in front, though a missed penalty by Saint-Étienne nearly cost them dearly. When Loïc Nadé finally slotted home the winning spot-kick, Maubleu had already turned hero, making four decisive stops in a nerve-shredding sequence.

The 17-year-old Djylian N’Guessan, Abdoulaye Kanté, and Maxime Bernauer all converted under immense pressure to keep Saint-Étienne alive before Maubleu’s final save. The French goalkeeper, who had earlier missed his own penalty, will now prepare for a two-legged tie against the 16th-placed Ligue 1 team—either Le Havre, Auxerre, or Nice—their identity revealed after Sunday’s final Ligue 1 fixture.

The first leg will be played at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium on May 21, with the return scheduled for May 24 away from home.