Saint-Etienne's bid to return to Ligue 1 hit stalemate on Tuesday as they drew 0-0 with Nice in the first leg of their play-off final at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Saint-Etienne, who have been French champions 10 times in their history, are bidding for a quick return to the top flight after being relegated last season.
With Nantes and Metz relegated automatically from Lige 1, Nice finished 16th to go into the play-off.
Beaten by Lens in the French cup final last week, Nice will attempt to preserve their top-flight status on Friday in the return leg at the Allianz Riviera, which will be played behind closed doors due to incidents caused by Nice supporters.
