In this offbeat match of the 36th day between a candidate for Europe and a candidate for maintenance, Saint-Etienne delivers an intelligent first period. Solid behind, the Stéphanois are very effective against. Bouanga opened the scoring (0-1, 10th) and it was former Bordeaux player Youssouf who doubled the lead in stoppage time (0-2, 45th+4).
Three goals in nine minutes
But Saint-Etienne is not 18th by chance. On returning from the locker room, OGC Nice proved more determined and Bard with a powerful shot under the bar reduced the gap (1-2, 53rd). Also powerful Delort’s free kick which allows the Azureans to equalize seven minutes later (2-2, 60th). The Greens are adrift and Delort goes there with his double (3-2, 62nd).
Pascal Dupraz’s players would not recover and Boudaoui sealed the fate of the match with a half-volley from the right (4-2, 79′).
The Bordelais therefore remain four lengths behind the Stéphanois with two games to play. They can still believe in a play-off place. This Saturday they will host Lorient at Matmut Atlantique while Saint-Etienne will host Reims.