This Friday, OGC Nice hosted Stade de Reims, marking the beginning of the 31st day of Ligue 1. Without being spectacular, the Niçois secured a narrow victory (1-0), keeping their hopes alive for a Champions League qualification.
Three matches, three finals, one dream! The suspenseful end to the season for OGC Nice began this Friday with the Aiglons. With a clear and stated objective: winning these last three matches to finish in the Top 4 of Ligue 1, thus qualifying for the Champions League next season. The first step in this final sprint was Stade de Reims. For this match, Franck Haise retained the same system that won against Paris (3-1) last week. Two changes were necessitated in the red and black defensive setup.
The upcoming long absences of Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye forced the Côte d’Azur coach to revise his plans. Antoine Mendy and Moïse Bombito returned to the starting lineup for the Gym. Morgan Sanson continued in midfield. Lastly, confidence was maintained in the attacking duo of Laborde – Bouanani.
Morgan Sanson, the Aiglon in current form
Facing a deep block, the Gym encountered a wall at the start of the match. But Melvin Bard and his teammates managed to make their opponents run by increasing the pace. And in a set attack, OGC Nice logically took the lead after fifteen minutes (1-0, 15′). Fortunately, Morgan Sanson capitalized on an error between the Reims goalkeeper and one of his defenders. The Nice midfielder scored his third goal in two matches, following his brace at the Parc des Princes last Friday.
Technically superior to their opponent, the Gym controlled the proceedings in the first half. Franck Haise’s men sporadically threatened without managing to score a second goal. Gradually, the match’s pace slowed. The Niçois, however, had to remain vigilant and avoid complacency!
Nice suffers but doesn’t break
Without being brilliant, the Aiglons returned from the locker room, not adding much more to their intent in play. It was not the match of the year tonight at the Allianz Riviera. It was a closed match, with few chances for either side, but the Gym held on to their narrow lead on the scoreboard. In Nice’s goal, Marcin Bulka was present for the few Reims attempts.
Until the end, the Niçois were anxiously cautious. As the minutes passed, the Niçois block retreated, conceding possession to their evening opponent. In the penalty area, Ali Abdi provided backup to Marcin Bulka with a crucial close-range save. Despite these final scares, OGC Nice won the match (1-0). The most important takeaway was the three points, which keep the Gym competitive in the pursuit of a Champions League spot.
Next match for the Aiglons is on May 10th. For their last away game of the season, OGC Nice will play a crucial match on the field of Stade Rennais, as part of Ligue 1’s 33rd day. The kickoff is scheduled for 9 PM at Roazhon Park.
