For this early match of the 6th day of Ligue Magnus, Nice traveled to Rouen. Facing the reigning French champions, the Eagles collapsed in the final minutes.
Scheduled on Sunday due to the Champions League, this encounter between Rouen and Nice almost delivered the first surprise of the season. Indeed, Nice has not beaten Rouen away since 2017, a streak of 15 consecutive defeats on Norman soil. Although Nice won in overtime during Game 3 of last year’s finals, victories against the team with 18 French championship titles remain rare.
Dominated in the first period, the red and black-clad Niçois held firm against the Dragons’ assaults. The French international goalkeeper Raphaël Garnier delivered another high-level performance, making 15 saves during the first 20 minutes, allowing Nice to go into the break level (0-0).
The Eagles take the lead before collapsing
In the second period, the Niçois intensified their efforts. Despite two penalties for incorrect engagements, Frantisek Stolc’s men managed to open the scoring. Well assisted by the young Joseph Broutin, Latvian forward Daniels Berzins beat the Rouen goalkeeper. The stunned Dragons quickly put pressure on Raphaël Garnier’s net, but he did not falter. Nice was leading (0-1) at the end of the second period.
The end of the match was more challenging for the Niçois. Despite total commitment, the Dragons’ collective talent eventually made the difference. More clinical, French international Anthony Rech equalized in the 53rd minute. Seconds later, another French international, Robin Colomban, well assisted by Alexander Lindelof, doubled the score (2-1). Nice was stunned but did not give up. Two minutes before the end, Frantisek Stolc tried a gambit by pulling his goalkeeper. This strategy could have paid off, but with seconds to go before the final whistle, Anthony Rech sealed the fate of the match by scoring into the empty net.
The final score (3-1) favors the Rouen Dragons, who win their first match of the season in Ligue Magnus. On the Niçois side, a scenario similar to Friday’s against Marseille in the second period was lamented.
Next match is on Tuesday in Angers, another title favorite this season. Kick-off at 8:30 PM.
