This Wednesday, OGC Nice hosted AS Roma as part of the first day of the 2025/26 Europa League. Despite a relatively strong start, Dante’s teammates were defeated (1-2).
The start of a new adventure for OGC Nice! This Thursday, the Aiglons began the first day of the mini league phase of the Europa League. Determined to make amends, Franck Haise’s men want to forget the disastrous route of the Niçois last season in the same competition. To recall, the Gym did not win a single game, finishing in a disappointing 35th and penultimate place in the standings. “The goal is to show a true identity in this competition… and obviously win matches to qualify,” aspired the red and black coach, this Tuesday, in a press conference. The tone was set!
Regarding the lineup, two major decisions were noted. Being late to a meeting earlier in the week, Jonathan Clauss and Terem Moffi were penalized. Both players started the crucial matchup on the bench. Finally, Franck Haise strengthened his midfield by adding Morgan Sanson alongside the duo Boudaoui – Vanhoutte.
OGC Nice on point
Organized around a solid block, the Aiglons were present in the early minutes of the game. Well-positioned, Juma Bah‘s teammates elevated their level of collective play, which has been quite lackluster since the start of the season, to compete against their opponent of the evening.
The midfield battle was intensely contested between the two formations. Even though the best opportunity of this first half, which was quite limited in chances, went to AS Roma. Receiving a good cross, Gianluca Mancini thought he opened the score. However, the Roman defender was eventually flagged for offside. On the Gym’s side, the rare offensive chances were very scarce. With only two attacking players on the field (Kevin Carlos and Jérémie Boga), Franck Haise’s formation lacked creativity and solutions in the final thirty meters.
The Gym punished, once again
Returning from the break was particularly difficult for OGC Nice. The Aiglons conceded two goals in rapid succession (0-2, 52nd and 55th minutes). Each time, the Roma forwards were surprisingly alone, free to easily adjust Yehvann Diouf. The Nice defense, lacking aggression and experience, faltered once more this season. It nearly required a miracle to bring the Gym back into this match.
With a brilliant run, Antoine Mendy earned a penalty. With complete composure, Terem Moffi converted it (1-2, 75th minute), allowing OGC Nice to narrow the gap with their opponent. The last quarter-hour of the game promised suspense for Jérémie Boga’s teammates, spurred by the electrifying atmosphere. However, it was not to be, as the Aiglons never got back into the match. Nice starts its Europa League campaign the way it finished last year, with a defeat.
Next up for OGC Nice is a league match against Paris FC at 3 p.m. this Sunday before traveling to Fenerbahçe next Thursday.
