In a thrilling playoff match, Saint-Etienne managed to secure promotion back to Ligue 1 after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against 10-man Metz. The match went into extra time with both teams tied at 3-3 on aggregate, and it was substitute Ibrahima Wadji who scored the decisive goal in the 117th minute to clinch the victory for Saint-Etienne.
Metz suffered an early setback in the match when striker Amadou Diallo was shown a straight red card in the seventh minute for a dangerous tackle on a Saint-Etienne defender. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Metz managed to take a 2-0 lead within the first 25 minutes through goals from midfielder Lamine Camara and forward Georges Mikautadze.
However, Saint-Etienne showed great resilience and fought their way back into the game when defender Léo Pétrot scored in the 35th minute to bring his team back into contention. The match remained deadlocked at 2-2 until the final whistle, forcing the game into extra time where Wadji’s heroics secured Saint-Etienne’s promotion.
After the final whistle, tensions ran high as Saint-Etienne players celebrated their victory on the pitch. Stewards attempted to lead the players away from the field, resulting in a physical altercation where one steward fell to the ground after being pushed by a Saint-Etienne player. The unsavoury incident marred what was an otherwise exciting and dramatic match.
As Metz contemplates life in the second division next season, questions arise about the future of their star forward, Georges Mikautadze. With an impressive goal-scoring record this season, Mikautadze’s performances have garnered interest from other clubs, and his departure from Metz seems imminent. Despite falling short in the playoff, Metz will have to rebuild and regroup for the challenges that lie ahead.
Saint-Etienne’s victory in the playoff match against Metz was a testament to their determination and fighting spirit. The team’s promotion back to Ligue 1 marks a significant achievement and a return to the top flight after a two-year absence. The drama and excitement of the match will be remembered by fans and players alike, as Saint-Etienne looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that await them in the coming season.