Thanks to another more than convincing victory against Nîmes, the Aiglons are getting closer to the top 5 and continue their impressive series in the championship.
Still unbeaten in 2019 in Ligue 1, the Gym faces Nîmes lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Led by the trio Saint-Maximin-Ganago-Sylvestre, the Gym’s attack greatly needs confidence and goals.
After an initial attempt by Bouanga deflected by Benitez (17′), the Gym asserted itself further on Nîmes’ half of the field. After a free-kick by Cyprien (30′) stopped by Bernardoni, it’s Youcef Atal who, just like in the first match, opens the score with a beautiful cross shot from the right side (1-0, 41′).
Nice is ahead at halftime and must secure the victory. At the restart, however, it is Nîmes who are dangerous with a shot from Paquiez stopped by the excellent Benitez (51′).
Immediately afterward, the unstoppable Saint-Maximin on his left side relies on Sylvestre to penetrate the box and place a superb inside-foot shot that leaves Bernardoni with no chance (2-0, 54′).
The hardest part is done, but the Gym keeps pushing. Just back from injury, Maolida sees his shot stopped by the Nîmes goalkeeper (76′). Then Danilo comes close to increasing the score, but he misses his control in the box (80′).
Nice holds on until the final whistle and secures another victory. A win that brings the Aiglons closer to the podium and reignites their European campaign. They could have even occupied the provisional fifth place if not for Strasbourg’s last-second victory.
Next week, Nice will head to Lille (Friday, 8:45 PM) for a clash against the second-place team in Ligue 1. In the first match, the Aiglons delivered their best performance of the first half of the season. Let’s hope they find inspiration against a team that has lost only once at home this season.
PATRICK VIEIRA’S REACTION
“We were very good in terms of spirit, discipline. We faced a well-organized team, we suffered, but it was a rather complete game from the team. We could have scored a bit more. We still lack a bit of aggressiveness when we are in the opponent’s box. What’s interesting is that the group is progressing. We need to keep working, and we’ll see how far we can go. The players are taking great pleasure in playing together, something is being created. We need to ask for even more because this group can progress.”
YOUCEF ATAL’S REACTION
“We are on a good run, we feel good, we enjoy playing together whether in matches or training. We need to keep it up. For the goal, I was well spaced out and managed to deliver a good strike. Usually, I cross, but this time I tried, and next time I’ll try again (laughs)! The main thing is to keep stringing matches together and continue our work.”
