After losing all chances of qualifying for one of the European cups, OGC Nice hosted Rennes as part of the 34th round of Ligue 1, with the objective of confirming the good result obtained last week.
It must be said that the Aiglons are going through a complicated period with only one victory in their last eight league matches.
And against a team that can legitimately dream of a top 5 finish this season, the Niçois see their opponents take control of the game at the start of the match. Defensively organized, Didier Digard’s players rely on counterattacks during the first half. Without success, somewhat reminiscent of Terem Moffi, who misses his final pass to provide a good scoring chance to his teammate Badredine Bouanani. On the Rennais side, the connection between Benjamin Bourigeaud and Jérémy Doku wreaks havoc on the Nice defense, but Kasper Schmeichel remains vigilant and has to make several efforts to keep his goal intact.
The match picks up pace
At the restart, the Niçois return with better intentions. Gaëtan Laborde sounds the charge with a deflected shot following a beautiful play initiated by Terem Moffi. Three minutes later, Gaëtan Laborde does it again from a cross by Badredine Bouanani. The former Rennais beats Steve Mandanda with a side-footed shot, without celebrating his 12th goal of the season.
It takes until the 68th minute for Benjamin Bourigeaud to make his mark again with a free kick beautifully struck just past the Nice goal. A chance that could have changed the course of the match, as two minutes later, on a major defensive error by Arthur Theate, Terem Moffi comes to crucify the Rennais (2-0).
A scorer in the first leg, Benjamin Bourigeaud relaunches his team with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, served by Karl Toko Ekambi. The game is back on.
In the final minutes, Jérémy Doku delivers a last cross onto the head of Amine Gouiri, which goes just over the crossbar, sealing the fate of the Bretons.
Second consecutive victory for OGCN, who reassures themselves on their home ground before traveling to Strasbourg next week.
