This playoff series has offered contrasting atmospheres across its two venues. After a rather uneventful 0-0 draw between AS Saint-Etienne and OGC Nice at a packed Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, Philippe Montanier’s squad aims for a return to the top flight tonight by defeating the Azuréens at the Allianz Riviera. However, this “Grand Stade” will see largely empty stands. The match is being held behind closed doors, a consequence of disturbances caused by Nice supporters at the conclusion of Ligue 1’s 34th matchday during their 0-0 encounter with Metz. While the stands may lack their usual fervor, a dramatically different spectacle is anticipated on the field: high tempo, intense play, and fervent action, all befitting the immense stakes of this Ligue 1 playoff return leg.

For AS Saint-Etienne, there’s positive news in their quest to overcome OGC Nice: the Stéphanois management welcomes back key international players. New Zealander Ben Old returns from a hamstring injury, while Ghanaian offensive midfielder Augustine Boakye, an undeniable starter for ASSE, is also available. Both World Cup-selected players are included in Philippe Montanier’s matchday squad. On the opposing side, Claude Puel’s Nice squad is similarly bolstered by the return of their star player, Elye Wahi, a significant boost for the Azuréens.

OGC Nice versus AS Saint-Etienne: playoff return leg kicks off at 8:45 PM