This Tuesday, OGC Nice traveled to Benfica Lisbon’s field for the second leg of this 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. Generally disappointing, the Gym said goodbye to its last hopes of participating in the UCL after another defeat (0-2, 0-2).
The last hopes of the Champions League for OGC Nice, rested in Lisbon. Defeated in the first leg (0-2) at the Allianz Riviera, Franck Haise’s men played the return match this Tuesday at the Estadio de la Luz. The situation was simple for the Eaglets: they needed to win by more than two goals to secure their spot in the Champions League playoffs. In other words, the challenge was not simple for the Gym. The Nice qualification would require a Nice exploit on Portuguese soil.
Deprived of several key players (Dante, Sanson, Bombito, Ndayishimiye, Cho,…), Franck Haise improvised with the resources at his disposal for his starting eleven. Hicham Boudaoui was absent from the match sheet due to a last-minute withdrawal. Sick, the Algerian was replaced by the young Djibril Coulibaly in the Eaglets’ game system. At 16 years old, the midfielder was playing his first career minutes, having signed his first professional contract this summer.
The Powerless Niçois
Proudly, the Eaglets started the match with desire and determination. It only took three minutes to see the first opportunity for OGC Nice. Melvin Bard’s shot was punched away by Benfica‘s goalkeeper. But gradually, the Portuguese team took control and developed their football. And by allowing their opponent to play, the Gym was punished (0-1, 18’). Through a beautiful school movement, Fredrick Aurnes opened the scoring in this return match. Too passive, the Niçois did not react. And the score continued to worsen very quickly.
After a good sequence, Andréas Schjelderup extended the lead early in the match (0-2, 28′). With playoff qualification slipping away for Antoine Mendy’s teammates, the Gym had to ensure the match didn’t turn into a drubbing. Soon after, Jonathan Clauss hit the post with a sublime volley. Despite being outplayed, OGC Nice was not having any success. Without having to force it, Benfica Lisbon showed they were a class or two above their evening opponent. The Eaglets were never able to hope in this second leg.
Champions League Dreams Vanish
The outcome of this double confrontation was already decided at the beginning of the second half. Less under pressure, the Niçois created some opportunities. But again, OGC Nice lacked precision and efficiency in the final touch. Franck Haise’s players were flirting with disaster on a Pavlidis attempt. But the Greek striker’s shot from Benfica hit the crossbar of Yehvann Diouf.
As in the other three halves of this double confrontation, the Portuguese largely dominated the debates without forcing it. Even with the lead, Bruno Lage’s men did not ease the pressure or their pressing. Logically, it is Benfica Lisbon that qualified for the playoffs. The hopes of the Champions League come to an end for OGC Nice. The Gym is relegated to the Europa League and will play in the Europa League for the second consecutive year. One thing is certain: a better performance will be needed to make a good showing.
OGC Nice will have to turn the page quickly. The Ligue 1 resumes very soon, this weekend. The Gym will host Toulouse for the first day of the French championship, version 2025/26. Kick-off for the match is at 9 PM.
