OGC Nice faces Benfica this Tuesday, August 12, in Lisbon for the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Defeated 2-0 in the first leg, the Niçois will have to turn the tables. The match will be broadcast for free on television and online.
OGC Nice heads tonight to the Estadio da Luz. The task seems daunting: to erase a two-goal deficit to hope to reach the playoffs of the Champions League. In the first leg, Benfica won at Allianz Riviera thanks to collective control and offensive efficiency that the Niçois lacked.
To qualify directly, Nice will have to score at least three goals without conceding any. A demanding scenario against an opponent accustomed to major European nights. Another, more measured goal will be to show a reassuring face before the start of Ligue 1 against Toulouse this Saturday night at 9 p.m., also. The first leg performance raised questions, especially on the offensive front. The departure of Evann Guessand to Aston Villa heightened fans’ concerns.
The coach and his staff have emphasized in recent days the need for a solid team block and a more direct play. “There is always room for an exploit. It’s not huge, I agree, but it exists. First, we must start by being better than in the first leg,” said Franck Haise last night at a press conference. The Nice players will need efficiency, but also patience to avoid exposing themselves against a team that exploits spaces well. “Too few of our players played the match they are capable of. The gap was significant between the two teams, on Wednesday. We should have raised the level.”
A clear broadcast setup
To allow as many people as possible to follow this match, OGC Nice has worked with Benfica, the Portuguese broadcaster TVI, and the RMC-BFM group. The second leg will be broadcast for free on BFM Nice Côte d’Azur and on all of BFM’s local channels. It will also be available online on the YouTube and Twitch channels of RMC Sport.
The kickoff will be at 9 p.m., but the evening will start from 8:30 p.m. with a special pre-match program. Another program will follow the match to gather reactions and analyses.
BFM Nice Côte d’Azur is accessible on channel 31 of the TNT, on SFR Box (285), Free (332), and Orange (386). Fans can also opt for the international broadcast via the Swedish platform solidsport.com, for a fee of €7.95.
In Lisbon, the stands will welcome a contingent of Nice fans who have made the trip. The atmosphere promises to be vibrant in a stadium known for its electric atmosphere during major European nights.
A test before the league resumes
Beyond the immediate sporting stakes, this match represents a test to measure the team’s capacity to react after a defeat. A qualification would offer significant momentum before the league resumes. An elimination would require swiftly refocusing on Ligue 1 to avoid a difficult start to the season.
For the supporters, this double confrontation against Benfica is an opportunity to gauge the potential of the current squad. Some are still hoping for offensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Others are mainly waiting for positive signs in play and team spirit.
Whatever happens, the Aiglons will have to deal with the pressure and expectations. Tonight, they will need to score, but also keep a cool head to avoid falling under the dictate of an opponent seasoned in European battles.
