The Parisians finished second in Group B of the 1973–74 French Division 2, four points behind Red Star, qualifying for the Ligue 1 playoffs against Valenciennes. The winner of this double-legged match would be promoted to the top flight. Valenciennes won 2–1 at home, but PSG recorded an incredible 4–2 comeback in the second game, thus winning promotion to the 1974–75 French Division 1 and regaining its professional status abandoned two years earlier.[1][21] Overwhelmed by emotion, Fontaine collapsed on the lawn, victim of a heart attack.