OGC Nice falls 2-1 against Rennes, who displayed realism and efficiency. In play, the Eagles struggle and see the relegation zone approaching rapidly. The next match, this Saturday in Caen, will be crucial.
Optimism prevailed after the fine performance four days ago in the capital. But positivity is fleeting. Back to the reality of the matches at the Allianz Riviera, where Nice hasn’t won since late September (1-0 against Lille). The atmosphere was back with the Brigade Sud resuming their post, six weeks after the incidents against Bastia.
From the start of the match, Nice was well-organized. Tactically, the 4-2-3-1 was adhered to faithfully, significantly disrupting Rennes. Possession was more in favor of Nice, but it was sterile as there were no notable chances. The first chance of the match was successful. On a perfect cross from Habibou on the right, Ntep scored with a header. Unmarked and profiting from Hassen’s missed clearance, the left winger netted his 6th goal of the season (12th minute, 0-1). The Niçois response was quick, with Cvitanich taking a shot from the edge of the box, but Costil deflected it for a corner. Nothing notable apart from a nice move started by Carlos Eduardo and Cvitanich, but the latter missed the backward pass. Only 3 shots in 35 minutes, evidence of an uninspiring match. The players left the field to whistles at halftime.
“It’s regrettable to miss our start. We’re reactive. We begin to play after conceding a goal, the same in the second half. We wanted to make Allianz our fortress, mission failed tonight. The locker room is disappointed, we’ll work to earn points in Caen (Saturday 8 p.m.),” explained Kévin Gomis in the mixed zone.
The first chance after the break was Niçoise with Bosetti infiltrating the box but was well covered by Mbengue. On the following play, Rennes scored a second goal, hammering the nail in. Konradsen, alone at the edge of the box, perfectly struck a free-kick from Brüls and defeated Hassen (49th minute 0-2). Second chance for Rennes, second shot on target, second goal. At the hour mark, Claude Puel changed his system and players to a 4-4-2 with Cvitanich and Bosetti upfront, Bauthéac and Plea on the wings. While the Eagles seemed a bit more lively, the game remained disrupted by numerous fouls. It took until the last ten minutes to see a revolt from Nice. On a corner from Bauthéac, Palun brought the ball back into the crowd, landing at Cvitanich’s feet who scored unintentionally (83rd minute, 1-2). Less than five minutes later, Nice missed a chance to equalize. Bauthéac executed an overhead kick, but the ball crashed against Costil’s post, who seemed beaten. Subsequently, another corner from Bauthéac hit the crossbar. Mendy’s shot over the crossbar wouldn’t change the outcome. Once again, the Eagles lacked efficiency.
“We’re going through a tough time. We’re seeking points and confidence; it’s a very bad streak, and we must do everything to get out of it. We won’t lower our heads and are determined in Caen on Saturday,” highlighted Claude Puel in the press conference.
After this 16th day, Nice drops to 14th place and now holds only four points above the 18th and first relegation spot, Caen. By a stroke of the calendar, Nice will meet Caen this Saturday for a match that promises to be explosive. It becomes urgent to secure points to avoid a crisis.
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