The 2009-10 campaign delivered a tense, dramatic survival for Saint-Étienne as Les Verts finished a precarious 17th in Ligue 1, narrowly avoiding relegation thanks to the mid-season arrival of manager Christophe Galtier. The teenage forward Emmanuel Rivière was the breakout star, with his 8 goals earning him a Young Player of the Season nomination and providing the vital attacking spark for the struggling side. A memorable highlight was the stunning 3-1 home upset against reigning French champions Bordeaux, a result that injected much-needed belief and remains a nostalgic chapter in the club's history.