The Green Army is back in the promotion hunt. Le Havre, Auxerre and Nice, take note. While the identity of the Ligue 1 side facing relegation will remain unknown until Sunday, the team that inherits the unenviable role of playoff opponent will have to conquer the electric atmosphere of Geoffroy-Guichard. Saint-Étienne ended Rodez’s charge, despite the visitors’ impressive 21-game unbeaten streak, with a hard-fought 0-0 draw that was decided from the spot (7-6 on penalties) at the Chaudron on Friday evening.
Philippe Montanier’s gamble paid off when he swapped Gautier Larsonneur for penalty specialist Brice Maubleu just before the shootout. Though the replacement keeper missed his own attempt, he pulled off four crucial saves to deny Rodez. « It was incredible. I had the chance to win the match, I missed, but then I had to step up and Mika sealed the deal, » Maubleu said after the final whistle.