Despite a new defeat against Bayer Leverkusen (2-3), the Gym showed a completely different side than last Sunday and managed to hold their ground throughout the match against a serious contender for the final victory.
The intentions of the Nice team were evident from the start of the match with Patrick Vieira being very expressive on the sideline. The attackers expended a lot of energy and pressed high against their opponents.
Unfortunately, the Germans’ efficiency made the difference in the 22nd minute. With a superb lobbed ball from Demirbay, Moussa Diaby made a cutting run and struck first-time against Benitez. The Argentine goalkeeper couldn’t do anything as the ball pierced the net.
But the Nice team quickly responded after this opening goal. From a well-placed free-kick taken by Amine Gouiri, Hassane Kamara, who was making his return as a starter since his injury, capitalized on a poor clearance by a Bayer defender and shot on the half-volley without control from the edge of the box. The ball came quickly in front of the goalkeeper, who was hindered by his defenders, and nestled into the left-side netting past Hradecky.
During this very lively first half, Bayer Leverkusen regained the lead half an hour into the game. This time, from a corner from right to left, defender Dragoviฤ picked up the ball at the penalty spot, and in a ground shot, beat Benitez.
In the second half, the red and blacks came back to level the score for a second time with Dan Ndoye who followed up a powerful shot by Reine-Adelaรฏde and simply had to push the ball into the back of the net.
However, for the third time and off another set piece, the Germans took the lead again. Baumgarlinger broke free from Bambu’s marking and headed the ball at the near post. Benitez reacted too late and saw the ball go over his head without being able to deflect it.
Nice would not come back a third time in this match and therefore lost 3-2 at the Allianz Riviera against Bayer Leverkusen.
This defeat means elimination for the Gym, which failed to show its true potential throughout this European campaign.
Now without stakes in the Europa League, the Gym can focus on the championship, which resumes this Sunday with a trip to the Marne to face Stade de Reims (kick-off at 5 p.m.).
