This Wednesday, OGC Nice faced Montpellier HSC as part of the French Cup Round of 32. After a match where they were trailing for a long time, the Eagles clinched the win at the last moment (3-2). The Gym made it to the quarterfinals and can start to dream.
What a laborious journey for OGC Nice! The club from the Côte d’Azur secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the French Cup, after a thrilling match. They had to wait until the last seconds of extra time in the second half, with a flash of genius from Sofiane Diop — to see the Eagles emerge victorious against a valiant Montpellier. Before that, the team of Claude Puel, often against the wind, struggled for much of the encounter. More aggressive, the Héraultais seized their first opportunity in the third minute of play, when Peprah Oppong deflected the ball into his own net after a fine Montpellier move (0-1, 3′). Nice found themselves already upside down. It was the perfect scenario for the Ligue 2 outfit, which then organized itself around a compact defensive block, minimizing space in their half.
With a much-changed lineup, OGC Nice struggled to get back into the game. The Eagles lacked precision in their passing and execution in the final moves. Against the wall, Claude Puel did not wait long to play his first cards. At halftime, the Nice coach brought on Morgan Sanson, Elye Wahi, and Jonathan Clauss. The second half, red and black, began with better prospects, but Nice was punished again. During one of their rare opportunities, Montpellier scored again to double their lead (0-2, 69′). Cleverly, Alexandre Mendy — trained on the Côte d’Azur — outfoxed a Juma Bah who was far too naïve and physically fragile. Nice’s defensive frailties reappeared.
OGC Nice reacts, Allianz Riviera ignites
Yet another hammer blow to the Eagles! The goal by Kaïl Boudache came in quick succession to reignite OGC Nice (1-2). The young winger scored the very first goal of his professional career and completely revitalized the match. The teammates of Charles Vanhoutte stood firm around the Montpellier camp, controlling the ball in the last twenty minutes of play. The Eagles pushed and were finally rewarded. Seizing an opportunity after a poorly executed corner by Jonathan Clauss, Antoine Mendy equalized to level the score (2-2, 89′). Like a forward, the Senegalese defender executed the perfect move to find the back of the net.
As stoppage time loomed, it didn’t take much to push Allianz Riviera into the realm of the irrational. The red and black supporters urged their team on, like a twelfth man. As both teams headed towards a penalty shootout, the flash of brilliance came from the foot of Sofiane Diop (3-2, 90+8′). From a short corner, the Moroccan worked with Clauss before curling his shot perfectly into the opposite corner. A gem that delivered the Gym and allowed Claude Puel’s men to reach the quarterfinals of the French Cup.
OGC Nice will be among the last eight teams in the competition. The Eagles are now only two matches away from reaching the Stade de France. After Saint-Étienne and Nantes, the next hurdle for Nice will be the quarterfinals, which are expected to take place in the week of March 4th. The Eagles will soon know the identity of their opponent. The draw will take place on Thursday, February 5th, before Strasbourg vs. Monaco, the last matchup of the French Cup Round of 32.
