Saint-Etienne and Nice battle to scoreless stalemate in opening leg of Ligue 1 promotion playoff

Nice started this season competing in a Champions League qualifier and reached the Coupe de France final last week, yet now face the shocking possibility of ending it in Ligue 2 after a disappointing league campaign.

This two match playoff provided a final opportunity, pitting them against the historic ten time French champions who were fighting to regain their place among the country's top teams.

Claude Puel's side suffered an early setback when Hicham Boudaoui had to be substituted following a clash with Abdoulaye Kanté, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial return fixture.

The tense nature of the encounter led to a cautious opening period. Irvin Cardona's attempted cross was easily gathered by Yehvann Diouf, while Morgan Sanson's wild volley summed up an uneventful first quarter hour.

Controversy arose before half time when referee Benoit Bastien reviewed Kojo Peprah's challenge on Luan Gadegbeku using VAR technology.

Initially awarded a dangerous free kick near the box, the home side believed they deserved a penalty, only for the decision to be curiously overturned with play restarting via dropped ball.

After the interval, Saint-Etienne began showing more threat as Zuriko Davitashvili cut inside from the left flank before curling an attempt narrowly past the far upright.

Augustine Boakye then connected well with a half cleared corner, his powerful left footed volley sailing just over the crossbar.

However, the passionate home supporters ultimately left disappointed as neither side managed to carve out a decisive advantage heading into Friday's pivotal second leg.

This forgettable contest leaves everything to play for in the return fixture, where Nice must overcome their recent struggles to preserve their long standing top flight status.