OGC Nice secured a comprehensive victory on Saturday night at the Allianz Riviera against Brest (6-0). This win allows the team from Nice to finish fourth in Ligue 1, securing a spot in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.
The match started without much of a feeling-out period. Brest was enterprising, as was Nice. But it was the Eagles who quickly gained the upper hand. In the 16th minute, Evann Guessand broke the deadlock. Found by Boudaoui, the Azurean forward infiltrated from the right and beat Bizot with a cross-shot.
Two minutes later, the Gym doubled the lead. Melvin Bard intercepted a ball, raced down his left flank, and sent a cross to the far post. Guessand, with a one-touch pass, set up Gaetan Laborde who scored with ease into an open net. The Nice team was then ahead (2-0) after less than twenty minutes of play.
Nice continued to press forward. In the 25th minute, Guessand won a penalty after good pressing. Bouanani calmly converted the penalty, sending Bizot the wrong way. (3-0). The game seemed decided.
Before the break, Nice controlled and stifled Brest’s attempts. Gaetan Laborde almost netted another goal, but his effort hit the post. At halftime, the score was already substantial for the visitors.
Nice confirms their prowess with an offensive showcase
In the second half, Brest attempted to respond but struggled to trouble Nice’s defense. OGC Nice continued to control the tempo. Bouanani missed the chance to increase the lead at the hour mark, his shot being well-saved by Bizot.
The changes made by Franck Haise added some rhythm. Terem Moffi was introduced, as was Sofiane Diop. These two players would prove decisive. Before that, Gaรซtan Laborde scored a brace in the 77th minute. Bard again surged down the left and delivered a perfect cross. Laborde, at the far post, converted with a left-footed volley. Bizot could do nothing. The score moved to (4-0).
Five minutes later, Terem Moffi was sent deep. He beat Bizot with a dribble and scored into an open net following a pass from Diop. The Nigerian striker pushed the score to (5-0).
In stoppage time, the Gym scored a sixth goal. Mendy broke free and crossed back to Moffi, who was thwarted twice by Bizot. Ali Abdi, positioned well, pounced and found the net. The VAR confirmed the goal after a brief review.
At the final whistle, the scoreboard showed OGC Nice’s biggest win of the season (6-0). A perfect evening for the Red and Blacks, who secured a clear victory and ensured their European qualification.
An achieved objective, but more work to do
This victory allows OGC Nice to finish fourth in the championship, behind Paris, Marseille, and Monaco. The Azurean club will compete in the third qualifying round of the next Champions League. An opportunity to return to the European stage, but one that will require quick and diligent preparation.
With 66 goals scored and one of the best defenses in the league (41 goals conceded), Nice ends their season on a solid foundation. Franck Haise, who arrived in a delicate context, has successfully revitalized his squad.
On the Brest side, the evening was tough. Ninth in the standings, the Bretons succumbed to Nice’s intensity. Too many defensive errors and few offensive opportunities.
The Allianz Riviera thus buzzed for this last match of the season. A well-executed game that rewards the efforts of a cohesive and well-organized group. For Nice, the next challenge will be written this summer, as they prepare for the Champions League’s third qualifying round. There can be no letting up.
