In a thrilling comeback on Tuesday evening, Rodez defeated Red Star 3-2 on their home turf, earning the right to face Saint-Étienne at Geoffroy-Guichard on Friday at 8:30 PM. The winner of that match will then take on the 16th-place team from Ligue 1—either Nice, Auxerre, or Le Havre—for a spot in the top flight.
Despite being the 16th-budgeted team in Ligue 2, Rodez has been unbeaten across all competitions for nearly six months. Their resilience was on full display at Bauer Stadium, where 4,500 fans saw the hosts strike first. Kévin Cabral headed in a cross from Damien Durand after 14 minutes, beating Quentin Braat—the league’s goalkeeper of the season—with a powerful effort into the far post.
Rodez responded quickly. Braat made a fine save from Jordan Mendes, but just before the half-hour mark, Taïryk Arconte set up Ibrahima Baldé, who scored his 13th goal of the season to make it 1-1. The visitors dominated until halftime, but the break seemed to disrupt their momentum.
The second half saw Red Star take control. Braat denied Cabral again in the 58th minute, but three minutes later, Cabral set up Josué Escartin, who blasted home to restore the lead (2-1, 61′). However, the lead lasted just six minutes. Mathis Magnin equalized with a stunning half-volley from a corner, finding the top corner (2-2, 67′).
The atmosphere turned electric as Red Star appealed for a penalty in vain. Moments later, Rodez struck on the counterattack through substitute Wilitty Younoussa, who finished coolly to make it 2-3 in the 69th minute. The VAR confirmed the goal, much to the frustration of Red Star coach Grégory Poirier.
Stunned, Red Star pushed for an equalizer, but Braat denied Baldé a second goal with a fine save in the 85th minute. Rodez held on for a memorable victory, leaving them just three matches away from promotion.
