Rodez shocks Red Star in dramatic Ligue 2 playoff showdown

The road to Ligue 1 just got a whole lot more exciting. In a thrilling Ligue 2 playoff clash at Saint-Ouen’s Bauer stadium, Rodez pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Red Star after twice coming from behind. The Ruthénois will now face Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard in the next round, while the disappointed Red Star faithful head home empty-handed.

Rodez players celebrating after winning 3-2 against Red Star

An action-packed evening at Bauer stadium

The match started at a frantic pace, with Red Star taking the lead just 15 minutes in. Kevin Cabral rose highest to head home a cross from Damien Durand, leaving Quentin Braat no chance in the Red Star goal. But Rodez responded immediately through Ibrahima Baldé, who equalized after a physical battle in the box (1-1, 29th minute).

The Red Star side, playing in front of a packed stadium, pushed hard for a second goal but Braat made crucial saves to deny Cabral a second strike. Then came the turning point: Josué Escartin put the hosts back in front with a clever finish after Cabral’s assist (2-1, 61st minute).

What followed was absolute mayhem. Rodez equalized through Mathis Magnin’s stunning volley (2-2, 67th minute), and then Wilitty Younoussa completed an incredible comeback with a clinical finish past Gaëtan Poussin (2-3, 69th minute). The Red Star players protested a potential penalty, but VAR confirmed the goal stood.

The final minutes were chaotic, with a red card shown to Red Star’s Giovanni Haag for dissent in stoppage time. Rodez, now unbeaten in Ligue 2 since November, celebrated wildly as their fans sang and danced in the stands.

Rodez marches on to Saint-Étienne showdown

With this dramatic win, Rodez continues its impressive run in the playoffs and will now face Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in the next round. The Red Star, despite their passionate performance, must regroup after this heartbreaking loss.

The next chapter in the race for Ligue 1 promotion promises to be just as intense. Will Rodez keep its momentum, or will Saint-Étienne rise to the occasion? One thing’s for sure: French football’s second tier never fails to deliver drama.

Match facts and lineups

Red Star (5-3-2): Poussin – Sylla (Magnin, 75′), Durivaux, Escartin, Huard (Haag, 62′), Durand – Danger, Pierret, Hachem (Ba, 75′) – Cabral (Khaoui, 75′), Ikanga (Benali, 62′). Manager: Grégory Poirier.

Rodez (3-5-2): Braat – Galves, Laurent, Magnin, Lipinski, Jean-Lambert (Ponti, 66′) – Mendes (Benchamma, 90’+2′), Trouillet (Saka, 86′), Joly (Younoussa, 66′) – Baldé (Nagera, 86′), Arconte. Manager: Didier Santini.