This Thursday, OGC Nice traveled to Turkey to face Fenerbahรงe, as part of the 2nd day of the Europa League. Unimpressive, the Eagles suffered their second defeat in two matches in the European competition (1-2).
Yet another defeat for OGC Nice! This Thursday evening, the Eagles headed to Turkey for their first away game of the season in the Europa League. It was only the second day of the competition, but there was already an urgent need to earn points for OGC Nice. Last week, the teammates of Morgan Sanson were defeated by AS Roma (1-2) at the Allianz Riviera. For this match against Fenerbahรงe, Franck Haise made numerous changes to his starting lineup. Compared to the team fielded against Paris FC on Sunday, the Eagles’ coach opted for seven changes. Tiago Gouveia, Juma Bah, Kevin Carlos, and Morgan Sanson were back in the red and black lineup.
And once again, the scenario repeated itself for OGC Nice in the Europa League. Strangely alone, Karem Aktรผrkoglu took advantage of a loss of possession by Melvin Bard to open the scoring (1-0, 2′). After only two minutes of play, Gym was already conceding. Again, Nice’s defense was not blameless, allowing too much space at the back. Shocked, Franck Haise‘s players struggled to react. The Niรงois gave their opponents the stick to beat them, as exemplified by another poor clearance from Kojo Oppong. Luckily for the Ghanaian defender, Talisca’s shot missed Yehvann Diouf’s goal.
OGC Nice still struggling on the European stage
Gradually, OGC Nice tried to get back on track. But not for long, as Fener took action on each of its opportunities, exploiting Nice’s incredible defensive fragility. After a display of skill in the box, Karem Aktรผrkoglu scored a double (2-0, 26′). Easy, too easy for the Turks! Another European night turned sour for Tom Louchet‘s teammates, almost becoming a habit for Nice in the European Cup for more than a year and a half now.
The only stroke of fortune for OGC Nice in this first half: Kevin Carlos‘ penalty (2-1, 36′). With composure, the Spaniard converted and scored his first goal in the red and black colors. This twist of fate left a glimmer of hope for the Azurean club. One thing was certain, there was ample opportunity for the Gym to do better.
No Nice response after the break
The objective was simple for OGC Nice: turn the match around in the remaining forty-five minutes. Leading the score, Fener retained ball possession without facing attacks from Nice. Franck Haise‘s players were not able to create chances, except for a few timid attempts. The Eagles lacked rhythm, creativity, and desire to find a way back into the game.
The Azorean coach’s changes did not have the desired effects. The minutes slipped by, and OGC Nice could not even manage to secure a draw. The Niรงois suffered another underperformance in this season. The second defeat in two Europa League matches for the Gym. The Eagles’ disastrous start to the campaign already puts Nice in a difficult position for potential qualification. Points will be crucial in the next matchday, a trip to Vigo, for Antoine Mendy‘s teammates.
OGC Nice will have one last match to play this Sunday, October 5th, before the international break. The Eagles will play a crucial derby in Monaco as part of the 7th day of Ligue 1. The kickoff for this clash is at 17:15 on Monegasque soil.
