Saint-Étienne took a significant step towards returning to Ligue 1 in France. The second most decorated club in the country eliminated Rode's side in the semi-final playoff after an incredible penalty shootout. In regular time, the match ended 0-0, but the "greens" triumphed with a 7-6 penalty score.

Both teams played a highly contested match with several goalmouth incidents, but neither could find the back of the net. According to the rules, the match proceeded directly to penalties, where the drama was immense.

The visitors missed their first two penalty attempts, and it seemed that Saint-Étienne would have an easy path to victory. However, the home team also missed their shots, with Benjamin Old failing on the third penalty, and Ayman Muefek unable to convert on the fifth attempt.

The penalty shootout continued, with both teams missing their ninth attempts, but the visitors failed on the 10th penalty, while Michaël Nade converted for Saint-Étienne, securing a 7-6 victory for his team.

Now, the "greens" advance to the final playoff, where they will face the team that finished 16th in Ligue 1. This will be one of Nice, Orléans, or Le Havre.