Nice is heading to Orange for a return match that could be decisive. If successful, the players under President Griguer will qualify directly for the final, which will be held in Paris on May 8th, with the League B championship title and promotion to League A at stake.
The first leg in Palmeira last Saturday left a few marks: Dan Borota will stay rested to be in condition to play the possible playoff match next Saturday in Nice and, in any case, the final. Orange also announces an incomplete lineup.
Both teams are certainly tired after a long and stressful season. Are these the only reasons for these numerous absences on both sides?
If the people of Nice have a victory lead and can use it to approach this match calmly, the Vauclusiens are against the wall and are well aware of it. There is also a psychological advantage for the Niçois who have won the three direct encounters of the season and are aiming for a winning streak.
But, Mladen Kasic, the coach of the Niçois, wants to remain cautious: “Orange is a very good team. It consists of big individuals who are capable of making a difference, like the receiver-attacker Nemeth.”
“On our side, all the players will be ready for battle. This semi-final will be a superb challenge. To win it, our players will need to be capable of moving mountains.”
It remains to be seen if the Matei/Mitrovic duo will be able to repeat last Friday’s performance and regain their role as the team’s metronome in a venue that will certainly be very, very hot.
We’ll get the answer tonight in Orange!
