• The first leg of the Ligue 1 relegation/promotion playoff finished 0-0 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
• Hicham Boudaoui suffered an early head injury and was substituted in the 11th minute
• VAR intervened but denied Saint-Étienne a penalty opportunity
• The return leg takes place on Friday at the empty Allianz Riviera
• Dante returned to the Nice defence after missing the Coupe de France final

AS Saint-Étienne and OGC Nice will decide their top-flight futures in the second leg after a cagey goalless draw on Thursday. The first leg of the relegation/promotion playoff produced few clear chances at either end.

Both teams approached the match with extreme caution. They understood that one error could end their hopes of competing in Ligue 1 next season. The goalkeepers enjoyed quiet evenings. Yehvan Diouf guarded the Nice net while Gautier Larsonneur stood between the posts for Saint-Étienne. Neither keeper faced serious tests during the opening 45 minutes.

The main drama of the first half involved an injury to Hicham Boudaoui. The Nice midfielder collided accidentally with Abdoulaye Kanté in the 11th minute. He suffered a blow to his head and appeared dazed. Medical staff assisted him from the pitch. Charles Vanhoutte entered the match as his replacement.

Saint-Étienne believed they had won a penalty midway through the half. The referee reviewed Kojo Peprah Oppong’s tackle on Luan Gadegbeku via the VAR monitor. However, the official surprised the home crowd. He cancelled the initial decision and awarded a drop ball to Nice instead of a free kick.

The home side enjoyed fortune shortly after. Lucas Stassin raised his boot dangerously high to clear the ball. He made contact with Oppong inside the area. Many observers expected a penalty for Nice. The referee allowed play to continue without punishment.

The second half began slowly. Neither side created genuine pressure until after the hour mark. Saint-Étienne’s young players began to grow in confidence. They pressed forward but lacked precision in the final third. Most of their attempts came from long distance. Diouf saved these efforts comfortably.

The match drifted towards its conclusion without excitement. Both teams saved their energy for the decisive return fixture. They meet again on Friday at the Allianz Riviera. The venue will remain empty for the second leg.

Dante marked his return to the Nice starting eleven. The club captain had missed the recent Coupe de France final through suspension. He organised a solid defence that faced minimal danger throughout the contest.

Claude Puel made changes to his attacking personnel at half-time. He replaced Cho with Ali Abdi. The manager had selected Cho as a makeshift striker due to limited options. Elye Wahi served a suspension while Kevin Carlos had offered little threat in previous games. Cho struggled in the unfamiliar central role. He looked more comfortable in his usual position as a wing-back. The substitution failed to spark the attack into life.

Vanhoutte settled into midfield after his early introduction. He could not alter the tempo of a match that always favoured caution over creativity. The stalemate leaves everything to play for in the return leg.

• Adrien Thomasson will join Stade Rennais from RC Lens on a free transfer
• The 32-year-old captained Lens to a 3-1 Coupe de France final victory over OGC Nice
• He rejected a new contract at Lens despite the club qualifying for the Champions League
• Rennes beat Paris FC to sign the midfielder, with an official announcement expected this week

Adrien Thomasson is set to complete his move to Stade Rennais. The deal will be official soon. The 32-year-old French midfielder is leaving RC Lens.

Thomasson captained Lens in his final match for the club. The team lifted the Coupe de France trophy. They beat OGC Nice 3-1 in the final. He wore the captain’s armband during that fixture.

The player has decided not to renew his contract. Lens qualified for next season’s Champions League. However, Thomasson wants a fresh challenge. He will play for Rennes in the Europa League instead.

Paris FC also wanted to sign the midfielder. But Rennes won the race. Reports from Onze Mondial say an agreement has been ready for several weeks. The domestic season in France has now ended. This allows the transfer to go ahead. The official announcement could come as early as Tuesday.

• Pierre Sage leads RC Lens to their first Coupe de France title in history after beating OGC Nice 3-1 in the final.
• The French coach also secured second place in Ligue 1, guaranteeing Champions League football next season.
• Sage now suggests he might leave the club despite having a contract, citing contact from other teams.
• Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in appointing Sage as their new manager to replace Oliver Glasner.

RC Lens celebrated a historic triumph on Friday evening. The club captured the Coupe de France trophy for the first time in their history.

Manager Pierre Sage took charge last summer. He has guided the team to remarkable success. Lens secured second place in Ligue 1. They will compete in the Champions League next season.

However, Sage has now questioned his own future at the club. Last week, he stated his desire to remain. But after the 3-1 victory over OGC Nice in the final, he changed his position.

“There is no reason for things to change,” he told beIN Sports. “But many clubs have contacted me. I have a contract here. I will try to respect it. I am very happy at this club.”

French newspaper L’Équipe reports that Crystal Palace want him. The Premier League club seek a new manager. They need someone to replace Oliver Glasner. Several other European clubs also want the French coach.

• RC Lens defeated OGC Nice 3-1 to lift their first-ever Coupe de France trophy
• The final took place at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday evening
• Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Édouard and Abdallah Sima scored for the winning side
• The victory ends a 120-year wait for domestic cup success for the northern club
• Nice must now prepare for a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne next week

RC Lens have made history by winning the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year existence. The Sang et Or claimed a 3-1 victory over OGC Nice in Friday’s final at the Stade de France.

The two sides arrived in Paris with vastly different seasons behind them. Lens had pushed Paris Saint-Germain hard in the league title race. In contrast, Nice suffered a dramatic collapse after crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers last August. They now face a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne.

Approximately 50,000 Lens supporters filled the stands. They created a stunning atmosphere with their blood and gold colours. This travelling army far outnumbered the fans who had made the journey from the French Riviera.

Nice started the match with energy. They threatened with through balls aimed at Elye Wahi, but goalkeeper Ismaëlo Ganiou dealt with the danger. Allan Saint-Maximin also went close when his curling shot grazed the crossbar.

Lens took the lead midway through the first half. Matthieu Udol sprinted down the left flank and delivered a cutback for Florian Thauvin. The 33-year-old midfielder finished with a calm left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

The advantage doubled before halftime. Odsonne Édouard lost his marker to head in a corner from Adrien Thomasson. However, Nice responded quickly. Djibril Coulibaly nodded home from close range after the keeper had saved an initial shot.

The second half began with Lens applying pressure. Saint-Maximin provided a clever backheel for Thauvin, but the shot was blocked. Nice then enjoyed a strong spell around the hour mark. Antoine Mendy struck the crossbar with a header from close range.

Substitute Abdallah Sima settled the contest late in the game. He had only just replaced Édouard when he restored the two-goal cushion. Nice could not mount a comeback in the final minutes.

Burkina Faso international Ismaëlo Ganiou delivered an outstanding performance between the posts. The 21-year-old earned a rating of 8 after making several vital saves when Nice pressed forward. This victory crowns a remarkable campaign for Pierre Sage’s men.

• RC Lens seek maiden Coupe de France triumph against troubled OGC Nice
• Samson Baidoo misses out through injury; teenager Kyllian Antonio poised to deputise
• Adrien Thomasson features in final appearance before summer move to Stade Rennais
• Former Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Édouard leads the attack for the Artois club

RC Lens battle OGC Nice for the Coupe de France crown this evening. The final takes place at the iconic Stade de France in Paris. Lens have never lifted this trophy in their long history. Tonight offers a golden chance to end that wait.

The northern French club enjoyed a superb campaign. They finished second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain. This result secured a return to the Champions League next season. Manager Pierre Sage now aims to complete a memorable double.

Nice arrive at the final in complete contrast. The Riviera club faces a relegation play-off against Saint-Étienne next week. Their form makes Lens clear favourites for the silverware.

Sage welcomes a nearly full-strength squad. However, Austrian centre-back Samson Baidoo misses out. He picked up an injury during the recent victory over Lyon. Eighteen-year-old Kyllian Antonio looks set to replace him in defence. Nidal Celik provides another option.

In midfield, Mamadou Sangaré partners Adrien Thomasson. This marks Thomasson’s farewell appearance for the club. The midfielder joins Stade Rennais on a free transfer this summer.

Up front, France international Florian Thauvin starts. He links with Wesley Saïd and former Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Édouard.

The probable starting eleven features Robin Risser in goal. A back three of Malang Sarr, Ismaelo Ganiou and Kyllian Antonio protects him. Matthieu Udol and Saud Abdulhamid operate as wing-backs. The midfield pair comprises Adrien Thomasson and Mamadou Sangaré. In attack, Wesley Saïd joins Odsonne Édouard and Florian Thauvin.

• Brazilian centre-back Dante starts his antepenultimate professional match.
• OGC Nice face RC Lens in the Coupe de France final at Stade de France.
• The winner secures automatic entry to next season’s Europa League group stage.
• Nice must balance cup ambitions with an upcoming Ligue 1 relegation play-off.
• Elye Wahi returns to face his former club after record-breaking transfer.

Brazilian defender Dante will line up for the third-from-last game of his distinguished career tonight. The 40-year-old centre-back leads OGC Nice into the Coupe de France final against RC Lens at Stade de France.

The stakes extend beyond silverware. The victors will qualify directly for the Europa League group stage next season. This prize offers Nice a potential escape route from their current relegation worries.

Manager Claude Puel faces a difficult balancing act. His team must fight for the cup, but they also prepare for a crucial two-legged Ligue 1 play-off against Saint-Etienne next week. Despite this pressure, Puel plans to field a strong starting eleven against Pierre Sage’s side.

Veteran players Morgan Sanson and Jonathan Clauss will join Dante in the line-up. This experienced core must guide Nice past a dangerous Lens outfit.

One player to watch is Elye Wahi. The Eintracht Frankfurt loanee remains Lens’ record signing following his €30 million move from Montpellier in 2023. He now faces his old club at the national stadium.

Predicted OGC Nice XI: Maxime Dupé; Kojo Oppong, Dante, Antoine Mendy; Melvin Bard, Sofiane Diop, Hicham Boudaoui, Morgan Sanson, Jonathan Clauss; Elye Wahi, Mohamed-Ali Cho.

• RC Lens want €50 million for midfielder Mamadou Sangaré.
• The 23-year-old Mali international has attracted interest from the Premier League.
• He won the Marc-Vivien Foé award for being the best African player in Ligue 1.
• Lens finished second in the league and will play in next season’s Champions League.
• The club faces OGC Nice in the Coupe de France final this Friday.

Mamadou Sangaré has enjoyed an outstanding first year with RC Lens. The 23-year-old Mali international has become a vital player in the centre of the park. His performances have helped the French side secure a return to the UEFA Champions League.

The club has now set a price for the African star. According to Foot Mercato, Lens will demand €50 million for the midfielder. This valuation comes before the summer transfer window opens.

Sangaré has played 32 matches during his first campaign in France’s top flight. He has scored three goals and provided four assists for his team-mates. His efforts have helped Lens finish as runners-up in Ligue 1.

The season could end with a trophy for the player and his club. Lens will face OGC Nice in the final of the Coupe de France on Friday.

Earlier this month, Sangaré received the Marc-Vivien Foé award. This prize recognises the best African footballer in Ligue 1 each year.

Several clubs from the English Premier League are watching his progress closely. Reports suggest that this interest will become more serious in the coming months.

• The Ligue 1 relegation play-off between OGC Nice and AS Saint-Étienne faces serious disruption due to FIFA international call-up dates
• FIFA has refused the French League’s request for an exemption to keep players for the crucial relegation matches
• OGC Nice could lose nine international stars including players from Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana and Egypt
• AS Saint-Étienne risk losing three key players representing Ghana and New Zealand
• Both clubs must now negotiate with national federations to retain their squad members for the two-legged tie

The Ligue 1 relegation play-off between OGC Nice and AS Saint-Étienne hangs in the balance. The two-legged clash has been delayed because Nice will compete in the Coupe de France final against RC Lens this Friday.

The fixture congestion creates a serious problem. The first leg takes place on 26th May in Saint-Étienne. However, FIFA rules state that clubs must release players for international duty on 25th May. This date falls just one day before the opening match.

The French League (LFP) asked FIFA for special permission to keep the players. They wanted an exemption similar to the one granted for the Champions League final. However, FIFA said no to this request.

Now both clubs face a race against time. They must speak with national football associations to keep their international stars. Nice stand to lose up to nine players. These include Ali Abdi from Tunisia, Elye Wahi from Ivory Coast, and several African representatives such as Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy from Senegal. The list also features Hicham Boudaoui from Algeria, Kojo Peprah Oppong and Salis Abdul Samed from Ghana, Moise Bombito from Canada, and Mohamed Abdelmonem from Egypt.

Saint-Étienne also face difficulties. They could lose Ben Old from New Zealand, plus Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan from Ghana.

The second leg will take place in Nice on Friday. However, without their key international players, both teams could struggle in these crucial matches that decide who stays in Ligue 1.

• OGC Nice will compete in a relegation play-off against AS Saint-Étienne after finishing the campaign in the drop zone
• Club co-president Jean-Pierre Rivere described the current season as a disaster following Sunday’s stalemate with FC Metz
• Rivere insists the upcoming Coupe de France final against RC Lens is insignificant compared to the fight for Ligue 1 survival
• Ugly scenes marred the draw with Metz as angry supporters invaded the pitch, risking stadium closure for the play-off
• The Riviera club must win two matches against Saint-Étienne to secure their place in France’s top flight next season

OGC Nice co-president Jean-Pierre Rivere has described the campaign as a disaster after his team were pushed into a relegation battle following a goalless draw with FC Metz on Sunday.

The stalemate confirmed that the Riviera outfit must face AS Saint-Étienne in a promotion-relegation play-off. Nice must win this two-legged tie to secure their spot in France’s top division for next season.

Rivere, who resumed his post at the club in December, spoke to the media shortly after the final whistle. He admitted that the current situation is grim and that the club faces a serious fight to avoid the drop.

The club chief also downplayed the significance of the upcoming Coupe de France final against RC Lens. He insisted that the cup showpiece in Paris holds no importance compared to the battle for survival.

“The French Cup is no longer our focus,” Rivere explained. “Our priority is remaining in Ligue 1. We have two matches to play, and we must display a different mentality and approach. As long as we have hope, we must stand behind the squad.”

Rivere also condemned the behaviour of supporters who invaded the playing surface after the Metz match. The incident could lead to sanctions from the football authorities, potentially forcing Nice to play the crucial play-off without fans present.

The club reached the cup final earlier this season, but that achievement has been completely overshadowed by their poor league form. All attention now turns to the decisive clashes with Saint-Étienne.

• Marseille must defeat Rennes to secure a place in next season’s Europa League
• Rennes enter the match in strong form with five victories from their last six fixtures
• Stade Vélodrome could see protests amid reports that manager Habib Beye will depart
• Football experts from Get French Football News are competing in a weekly predictions contest
• The final French Cup result will determine if sixth place qualifies for European competition

Journalists from Get French Football News are battling to predict Ligue 1 results this season. The competition includes the website’s own editors and guest writers from major publications. Reporters from The Athletic and ESPN have previously joined the challenge. Participants collect three points when they guess the exact score correctly. They earn two points for predicting the right goal difference. One point is available for selecting the correct winning team.

Olympique de Marseille will not compete in the Champions League next season. The club must now secure a spot in the Europa League instead. Sixth position in the league table could provide entry to European football. This possibility depends on who wins the Coupe de France final. A victory against Stade Rennais would guarantee Marseille’s place in next year’s UEL.

Rennes arrive at the Vélodrome in excellent condition. The team has won five of its previous six matches. Forward Esteban Lepaul continues to score goals on a regular basis. He is the leading candidate to win the Golden Boot award this season. Many supporters feel he deserved a call-up to France’s World Cup squad.

The situation at Marseille appears less positive ahead of this important fixture. Manager Habib Beye is expected to leave his role at the club. This match could be his final opportunity to lead the team. The coach hopes to end his spell with a successful result. However, the players have produced poor performances in recent weeks. Some fans may express their anger during the game.