After a closed match with few chances, Nice and Lille parted ways yesterday at the Allianz Riviera (0-0). A result that neither benefits nor bothers anyone. It was quickly established in a rather uninspiring game.
21 degrees, a very light breeze, and almost anachronistic spring sunshine given the time of year made for a beautiful afternoon. However, Hervé Renard and his team didn’t come yesterday to put on a show but rather to avoid losing. Lille leaves with a point that can’t be turned down; even though the offensive capabilities of this team are becoming truly doubtful. It’s worth noting that the system doesn’t help in scoring goals. Three strong defenders at the back (Civelli, Sunzu, Soumaoro), three defensive-minded midfielders (Balmont, Mavuba, Obbadi), and two players on the sides positioned more as wing-backs than wingers. Not too exciting.
Despite this, Lille doesn’t have a bad start to the game. Bauthéac (11th) then Obbadi (21st) take the initiative but see their attempts go far off target. After this prelude, the northerners are no longer dangerous at all for nearly an hour. Lille defends well, certainly, but creates fewer chances than a few weeks ago. Renard prefers to joke: “at least we miss fewer (chances)”. The former Sochaux coach can rest assured, Nice doesn’t do much better on this Sunday afternoon.
A match among friends
If the eagles quickly found the solution two weeks ago against Rennes’ 3-5-2, Lille’s version causes more problems. The Nice team struggles to string passes together in midfield and make their evening opponent run. Wallyson, caught in the midfield snare, is untraceable. Ben Arfa, on his part, is less technically adept than he has been since the start of the season. Chances are very rare. Yet Nice has a huge one ten minutes from the end. Germain sends a shot across that Civelli clears from the line. The ball goes up, and Mahamane Traoré heads it, but his header hits the bar (81st).
Not too far from winning, then, Nice also comes very close to losing. In the fourth minute of a five-minute stoppage time, Marvin Martin takes a corner from the left. Perfectly struck, the corner kick reaches Sunzu’s head. Hassan is beaten but saved by Papy Mendy, standing at the post. The first clean sheet of the Nice season comes as close to disappearing as the single point. It was not to be. This 0-0 scoreline ultimately has one minor positive: the Lille and Nice supporters, who are friends, can part ways on good terms. It’s something, at least.
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