**This Sunday, OGC Nice visited Olympique Lyonnais’ field, closing the 22nd matchday of Ligue 1. Despite a good performance, the Gym was defeated in Rhône (0-2). Against a stronger opponent, the Aiglons lacked the efficiency to hope for a result.**
The Lyon evening for OGC Nice began with a major setback. Hit in a duel during the first seconds of the match, Elye Wahi was forced to leave the field. In tears as he exited, the Gym striker was injured at the ankle, which twisted on that initial contact. This forced change required Claude Puel to adapt. The introduction of Kaïl Boudache caused Mohamed-Ali Cho, initially positioned on the right wing, to move to the forefront of the red and black attack. Despite this shift, the Aiglons made a nice entry into this matchup.
Claude Puel’s men were in search of a benchmark match away from Allianz Riviera, having suffered four defeats in their last five away games in Ligue 1. OGC Nice doesn’t travel well, which is reflected in the standings, where the Niçois occupied a disappointing 14th place before the match kickoff. On the field, the teammates of Ali Abdi stood firm, unafraid against a Lyon that has been undefeated in championship play since the beginning of December – but without their star winter signing, Endrick, who was suspended.
### The Gym caught cold just before the break
One Aiglon, in particular, stood out during the first half: Kaïl Boudache. Full of vigor and daring, it was almost like witnessing the unveiling of a new talent in the eyes of France and Ligue 1 enthusiasts. The pure product of OGC Nice’s youth academy came close to unlocking the match. Hindered by the good exit of the opposing goalkeeper, the young forward narrowly missed the target with a header. Not much was lacking. Nice couldn’t capitalize on their strong period and would soon regret it.
In a quick counterattack, Lyon scored just before halftime (1-0, 45+3). Concluding a good collective move, Corentin Tolisso broke the deadlock for the Gones. It was a cruel scenario for OGC Nice, who had managed to contain their opponent since the match’s kickoff and likely deserved more. The teammates of Maxime Dupé might regret conceding on Lyon’s first real opportunity.
### A Nice lacking in efficiency
Returning from the locker room, Nice knew they would have to overturn the match. Beating OL, OGC Nice has already done it this season. The challenge seemed more complex to tackle, but not impossible. The Lyon system, consisting of a line of four in front of a second line of five, offered little space and possibilities to the team from the Riviera. This Lyon was effective and let nothing through, as evident in Noah Nartey’s goal to double the lead (2-0). It was another frustrating situation for the Gym, especially since a controversial situation occurred before the goal in the Lyon box. Boudache was clearly shoved by Hateboer, which was not enough to earn a penalty. A major player in recent encounters between the two teams in recent years, the refereeing came, once again, to the forefront and center of discussions, overshadowing the game and the football.
We should not, however, fall into conspiracy theories because, this evening, OL delivered a true lesson in realism and efficiency to a Nice side that has so lacked it since the start of the season. Stunned, the Aiglons didn’t react towards the end of the match and conceded a frustrating defeat on paper. Diop’s teammates didn’t have to be ashamed of their solid performance against one of the best teams in Ligue 1. Nonetheless, the Gym is not advancing in the standings, remaining stuck in that 14th place. The Niçois remain within striking distance – just six points – of the relegation playoff spot. The race to avoid relegation is far from over on the Côte d’Azur.
The next match is scheduled for next Sunday, February 22, for OGC Nice. Claude Puel’s men will have a rendezvous with FC Lorient as part of the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1. The kickoff is set for 5:15 PM at Allianz Riviera.
