In a stunning turn of events, Saint-Etienne managed to secure promotion back to Ligue 1 with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against 10-man Metz. The relegation-promotion playoff saw both legs ending in a 2-1 result in regular time, leading to extra time with the aggregate score tied at 3-3. Despite facing a tough opponent and an early disadvantage, Saint-Etienne showed resilience and determination to clinch promotion.
Heroic Substitution
The hero of the match was substitute Ibrahima Wadji, a 19-year-old player who had yet to score a goal in the season. Wadji stepped up when it mattered most, finding the back of the net in the 117th minute of the second leg. His goal proved to be the decisive one, securing promotion for Saint-Etienne in dramatic fashion. The young player’s composure under pressure and ability to deliver in crucial moments played a key role in the team’s success.
Metz, who were reduced to 10 men early in the match after Amadou Diallo’s red card, faced an uphill battle against Saint-Etienne. However, they managed to take a 2-0 lead within the first 25 minutes through goals from midfielders Lamine Camara and Georges Mikautadze. Mikautadze, with 23 league goals to his name, was a key player for Metz throughout the season. Despite their efforts, Metz ultimately fell short in their quest to maintain their position in Ligue 1.
For Saint-Etienne, the promotion marks a significant achievement after enduring relegation to the second division two seasons ago. The team’s fighting spirit and determination to climb back to the top flight were evident throughout the playoff. Defender Léo Pétrot’s goal in the 35th minute provided a crucial lifeline for Saint-Etienne, setting the stage for Wadji’s heroics later in the match.
Post-Match Drama
The game was not without its share of controversies, as tensions ran high during the post-match celebrations. Saint-Etienne players were seen jubilantly celebrating on the field, much to the dismay of the stewards. One steward was involved in a scuffle with a Saint-Etienne player, leading to a brief moment of chaos before order was restored. Despite the drama, Saint-Etienne’s promotion victory will be remembered as a remarkable underdog story in French football.
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