Down twice on the pitch at Stade Bauer, Rodez mounted a stunning comeback to eliminate Red Star 3-2 in a chaotic promotion-relegation playoff match on Tuesday evening.
The tone was set early, with both sides attacking relentlessly. After a slightly dominant start by the visitors from Aveyron, Red Star struck first. In the 15th minute, Kévin Cabral capped a brilliant team move with a superb header into the top corner. Energized by a roaring home crowd, the Paris region side appeared to take control of the wide-open contest. However, Rodez never lost their composure. Growing progressively more dangerous, Didier Santini’s men were rewarded in the 29th minute. Ibrahima Baldé cleverly finished from close range with a subtle backheel to level the score. The two teams traded blows until halftime in a fast-paced, entertaining affair.
**Two Goals in Two Minutes**
After the break, Red Star regained the lead through Josué Escartin. Meeting a corner kick at the near post, the Audonien defender powered his header past the keeper to ignite the stadium once more (61st minute). Grégory Poirier’s side seemed on the verge of victory. But the script flipped completely within a two-minute span. First, Magnin equalized for Rodez in the 67th minute. Then, almost immediately, Wilitty Younoussa punished a disorganized Red Star defense (69th minute). It was a devastating blow for the hosts.
The final stretch was utterly chaotic. Rodez had several chances to seal the win, but Younoussa and Arconte both missed opportunities to extend the lead. Meanwhile, Red Star pushed relentlessly but could not find an equalizer. The night ended in frustration for Giovanni Haag, who was sent off in stoppage time after a heated protest. Following this spectacular and dramatic victory, Rodez advances in the playoffs and will next face AS Saint-Étienne, keeping their dream of Ligue 1 promotion alive.