For this azure derby, OGC Nice hosted Olympique de Marseille, still unbeaten under Jorge Sampaoli. A match that ended in a large victory for the Eagles, 3-0, enough to reignite their race for 5th place in the standings.
Derby day! Nice had been on a streak of seven consecutive defeats against Olympique de Marseille, whom the Eagles hadn’t beaten in five years. That cursed streak ends today with this significant win for the Gym against their azure rival. The youth of the Nice team put on a true showcase at the Allianz Riviera.
Thuram on fire, Gouiri ever-present
First half was balanced between Nice and Marseille. The Gym faced a few scares during Marseille’s attacks, unfortunately squandered by Nagatomo (8th) and Dimitri Payet (30th). Nice managed to create some chances but lacked discipline in their game, at least until this play half an hour into the game.
Khéphren Thuram passed to Amine Gouiri on the left side. The former Lyon player, not challenged by Alvaro Gonzalez, took his time to accurately deliver a cross to Khéphren, who headed the ball perfectly into Steve Mandanda’s net. 1-0 for the Gym after 34 minutes of play.
Khéphren Thuram showcasing against the Marseille defense
The players from Nice gradually gained confidence in their game, while the Marseillais were shaken and tried in vain to fend off Nice’s attacks.
Nice more clinical, Gouiri converts
Riding a rising wave of red and black, the Nice players rushed towards Mandanda’s goal but failed to conclude due to an off-target shot. Kasper Dolberg missed a chance to make it 2-0, and the Eagles struggled to shield themselves from the Marseille threat.
But it was only a matter of time for the Gym. After a poor clearance in the Marseille defense, Dolberg’s pressing paid off. The Nice forward, Amine Gouiri, recovered the ball, infiltrated the penalty area, and slipped the ball between Mandanda’s legs into the net. 2-0 for Nice at the 74th minute. The Marseillais under Jorge Sampaoli were punished for their lack of discipline.
Marseille punished, Nice dominant
In the last quarter-hour, the Nice team besieged Steve Mandanda’s goal, who had to step forward to prevent a 3-0 scoreline. At that moment, there was a slight relaxation among the locals. The Olympians took advantage, and Dario Benedetto, with a superb rebound at the far post, scored a goal which was unfortunately disallowed for an undeniable offside after a video assistant review. The score remained 2-0 for OGC Nice.
The youth showcase from Nice concluded with a final goal by Alexis Claude-Maurice. Kasper Dolberg’s shot struck Mandanda’s post, but Claude-Maurice was there to recover and scored the 3-0 goal for Nice.
This was too much for the Marseillais, who conceded their first defeat under Sampaoli. A 3-0 victory for OGC Nice against Olympique de Marseille. Nice’s first win against the Olympian rival since 2016. It’s also the Gym’s largest home victory against OM since 1973 (3-0).
Post-match reactions
Morgan Schneiderlin: “It’s quite frustrating to have such performances so late. We know we have the capabilities to succeed; we have shown it several times in the first half but not in the second. Today, we had a solid match, and we need to build on this for the rest of the season.”
For its next league match, the Gym will travel to Stade de la Beaujoire to face FC Nantes on April 4th.
