It was meant to be a night of renewal for OGC Nice. In a sparsely filled yet attentive Allianz Riviera, the Eagles were hoping to put an end to a negative run that has weighed heavily on their European campaign. Instead, they suffered a narrow 0–1 defeat to SC Braga, a result that ultimately confirmed their elimination. Yet, despite the loss, Nice delivered a far more convincing performance than in recent outings, showing heart, determination and a genuine desire to respond — even if poor finishing once again proved costly.
At the end of a tense encounter, OGC Nice were eliminated, but not without signs of revival.
OGC Nice Under Pressure, Between Doubt and Hope
Heading into this match, OGC Nice were fragile, burdened by a run of 18 European matches without a win. Head coach Franck Haise had to manage a squad lacking confidence, a distant crowd — just 3,798 spectators — and a tense atmosphere surrounding the club.
Nice had been disjointed in transition, imprecise in the final third and overly reliant on individual brilliance. Yet, despite the storm, Haise had consistently insisted that his group was capable of reacting. This match was meant to provide a foundation, a starting point for recovery. And while the result was disappointing, the performance at least hinted at a collective awakening.
Nervous Start, Braga Capitalise on a Nice Error
The opening minutes were encouraging: coordinated pressing, 76% possession, and quick forward movements led by Tom Louchet and Kevin Carlos.
But Braga, seasoned in European competition, soon regained control. El Ouazzani forced Maxime Dupé into two decisive saves (14th, 19th minute). With every Portuguese attack, Nice found themselves under pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. After a failed clearance from Melvin Bard, Gorby released Víctor Gómez, whose cross found Pau Víctor. The Portuguese forward’s low, angled finish beat Dupé to give Braga the lead (0–1).
For Nice, the fear of a familiar collapse loomed. But this time, the Gym refused to let the match slip away.
First Sparks from Nice: Horníček Stands Firm
Nice’s response came in the 36th minute. From a Louchet free kick, Kevin Carlos powered a header toward the near post, only for Lukáš Horníček to pull off a spectacular save.
After the break, OGC Nice emerged with renewed intent.
In the 53rd minute, Louchet delivered a perfect cross to Kevin Carlos, unmarked at the far post. His close-range effort looked unstoppable, but Horníček produced a stunning reflex save.
Two minutes later, another huge chance followed. Kevin Carlos surged down the left, shielded the ball and laid it off to Isak Jansson, whose point-blank shot was once again denied — this time by the Czech goalkeeper’s foot. Nice were clearly on top, but kept running into an inspired last line of defence.
Mohamed-Ali Cho Sparks the Game, But the Final Touch Is Missing
In the 69th minute, Sofiane Diop replaced Tanguy Ndombélé, followed by the introduction of Mohamed-Ali Cho for Brice Nguene a minute later. The substitutions injected fresh attacking energy.
Cho found himself at the centre of a major opportunity in the 75th minute. Played through on goal, the Nice forward attempted an outside-of-the-foot control but slightly misjudged it. Gabriel Martínez produced a heroic recovery to block Cho’s path, allowing Horníček to collect the ball.
At the 83rd minute, Cho had perhaps the equaliser at his feet. From a Jonathan Clauss corner, a poor clearance fell kindly to the former Angers player, alone in the box. From close range, under no pressure, he failed to hit the target. Once again, Nice came agonisingly close — and once again, precision deserted them.
A Frenetic but Fruitless Finale
The final quarter of an hour was intense. Braga grew nervous, lost their rhythm and began to run down the clock. Nice pushed relentlessly.
The introductions of Antoine Mendy (79th), Jonathan Clauss (80th) and Charles Vanhoutte (80th) provided additional attacking options.
Tension spilled over. Abdul Samed was booked in the 77th minute for a studs-up challenge. Mendy followed with a needless yellow card in the 85th minute, and even a member of Franck Haise’s coaching staff was cautioned in the 88th.
During the six minutes of added time, Nice threw everything forward — even goalkeeper Maxime Dupé joined the attack for corner kicks (90+2). A final header from Kevin Carlos, ruled offside, ended up safely in Horníček’s gloves. Nice pressed, insisted, believed — but the ball simply would not go in.
Eliminated, but Finally Alive
This 0–1 defeat leaves OGC Nice bottom of their European group — a heavy and worrying statistic. Yet paradoxically, the performance tells a different story: a team that fights, creates and dares, even if it still lacks composure in decisive moments.
The Gym remain clumsy and tense, but no longer resigned. And in a troubled season, that may be the most important takeaway of all: OGC Nice are still alive — and that is often where rebirth begins.
