Well-positioned, OGC Nice posed problems for a Lorient team that was withdrawn within itself for a long time. However, luck was not on their side. Realistic, the Merlus took the lead with a penalty kick by Mvuemba (1-0). René Marsiglia and his men might have some regrets.
Once again, OGC Nice fell victim to bad luck last night at Le Moustoir against Lorient (1-0).
Symbolic of this lack of luck: Abraham Guié-Guié. The former Tours FC forward will be kicking himself for missing his shot with ten seconds to go!
Yet, the evening started well for the Gym. Positioned in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Sablé as the sole sentinel, the Aiglons imposed a false rhythm on the Merlus.
The Breton coach, Christian Gourcuff, had to wait half an hour of play for some action, with a pass from Mareque to Monnet-Paquet. The former Lens player centers for Campbell, who takes his chance but is blocked by Fabian Monzon.
The Nice response was immediate. Just before halftime, the Argentine defender led the charge. From a free-kick followed by a long left-footed shot, Monzon forced the Breton goalkeeper, Fabien Audard, to make two world-class saves in under a minute.
Nice bends… and breaks
While the Niçois continued to press at the start of the second half, the teammates of Mathieu Coutadeur were no longer hiding. By the hour mark, the Merlus attacked more than ever.
On a cross from Gilles Sunu, Joël Campbell challenged Raul Fernandez. Cold since kickoff, “Superman” saved his team with a fine save. But he could do nothing against Arnold Mvuemba’s penalty (62nd minute), following a trip by Larrys Mabiala on… Gilles Sunu.
René Marsiglia was unaware that this twist of fate would disrupt the dynamic his players had imposed on the Bretons. Even the tactical reorganization with the introduction of Mounier did not prove decisive.
The Niçois played right into the hands of the Merlus, who ended up winning by the smallest of margins. However, the Red and Blacks showed undeniable progress in their play. Despite the defeat, not everything should be thrown away. Except for the bad luck and frustration.
