This Friday evening, the Gym traveled to the pitch of Olympique Lyonnais for the 22nd day of the championship. Dominant, the Aiglons were defeated (1-0).
Looking to immediately bounce back to maintain their second place, the Niçois had no choice this Friday evening on Lyon’s pitch. After the defeat in the derby last weekend, OGC Nice found themselves playing a second consecutive match without victory. The task was not expected to be easy. OL was on a streak of two consecutive victories in the championship.
Without Dante (suspended), Sofiane Diop and Hicham Boudaoui (injured), Francesco Farioli lined up his traditional 4-3-3. Youssouf Ndayishimiye moved back a line to join the central defense. Pablo Rosario and Khephren Thuram returned to the midfield. Finally, Mohamed-Ali Cho was favored over Tom Louchet on the right side of the red and black attack. Note that in the absence of the Brazilian captain, Jean-Clair Todibo would wear the armband during this match.
OGC Nice Dominant, but Trailed in Score
The Aiglons started the match well. After regaining possession high up the pitch, Laborde forced Anthony Lopes into a save in just the 5th minute of play. A few minutes later, Mohamed-Ali Cho’s cross shot hit the post after lobbing the Portuguese goalkeeper. OGC Nice looked better in the first twenty minutes, as seen with Sanson’s strike, once again sent out for a corner by Lopes.
But it was Lyon who opened the scoring on their first opportunity. Set up in a pull-back at the penalty spot level, Orel Mangala crucified Marcin Bulka (1-0). A hard blow for the Gym, who clearly dominated the start of the match. Stunned, the Niçois saw the Gones take possession of the ball. Melvin Bard made a heroic return on Nuamah as the winger was about to face Bulka one-on-one. The score remained unchanged until the end of the first half.
The Gym Lacks Efficiency in Attack
The Lyonnais controlled their match well and retained their advantage in the second half. Terem Moffi‘s shot, just after he came on, flirted with the right post of OL’s goal (63’). Similarly, Pablo Rosario‘s header from a Morgan Sanson corner (69′). The Niçois were getting closer and more dangerous in attack.
Jérémie Boga‘s low shot once again found Anthony Lopes in its path. Jordan Lotomba sent his half-volley into the stands. Opportunities were multiplying for the Gym, but without success or efficiency in front of the opponent’s goal. OGC Nice fell against the run of play.
In both instances, VAR did not intervene to overturn the referee’s decisions. On its X account, the club expressed irony over the situation.
The next match for the Gym is next Sunday, February 24, when OGC Nice will host Clermont as part of the 23rd day of the championship at the Allianz Riviera. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM.
