St Etienne forward Ibrahim Sissoko celebrates scoring first

St Etienne secured a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Ligue 1 promotion-relegation playoff against Metz, as Olivier Dall’Oglio’s team extended their formidable home form to eight wins out of nine matches.

After narrowly avoiding automatic relegation on a dramatic final day, Metz traveled to St Etienne in need of a better performance.

However, it was the Ligue 2 team that initially edged the lively start to the match. Georges Mikautadze hit the woodwork for the visitors before Dall’Oglio’s side took a deserved lead in the 20th minute. Mathieu Cafaro orchestrated the opening goal by threading a precise pass to Ibrahim Sissoko. The Malian forward controlled the ball and lifted a delicate finish over Alexandre Oukidja.

With only two away wins since December (D1, L7), Metz continued to struggle with confidence as the first half wore on. Despite creating few chances in the final third, Metz found an equalizer against the run of play just before halftime. Ismael Traore rose highest in the six-yard box to head home from Lamine Camara’s inviting cross.

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The second half began similarly to the first, with the hosts dominating possession. Yvann Macon went close with a first-time effort, and further opportunities were missed by Irvin Cardona and Cafaro as Metz aimed to withstand increasing pressure as the clock ticked into the final half-hour.

St Etienne, determined to capitalize on their chances, finally regained the lead with 10 minutes remaining. Cardona headed Cafaro’s inswinging cross past Oukidja into an empty net.

With momentum on their side, St Etienne pressed to extend their first-leg advantage in the closing stages. However, the scoreline remained 2-1, setting up a thrilling second leg in Metz on Sunday.