Nice will start this match as they have been recently with a 3-4-3 formation. The Danilo-Dante-Sarr defensive trio is in place in front of Benitez. Wagué and Durmisi occupy the Nice flanks. In the heart of the game, Lees-Melou and Lusamba are aligned. In attack, we have Claude-Maurice on the left, Ounas on the right, and Dolberg at the front.
The start of the match is electric between the two teams, trading blows in midfield. However, little by little, the Monegasques, driven by the strength of their midfielder Bakayoko, regain possession of the ball.
The Nice team can no longer bring the ball out and are exposed to the bursts from the Monegasque attackers.
Finally, French striker Wissam Ben Yedder scores his team’s first goal in the 32nd minute with a subtle chip over Benitez.
At halftime, the red and whites are leading on the pitch at the Allianz Riviera. Nonetheless, despite creating numerous chances, they did not manage to widen the gap in this match and can expect a response from the Nice team in the second half.
Indeed, Patrick Vieira, seeing his team struggling, especially in the midfield, decides to make a tactical change. Consequently, he replaces Durmisi, who had some difficulties during this match, with Hérelle. The central defender positions himself alongside Dante in defense. Danilo moves up a notch and will play as a holding midfielder. Meanwhile, Sarr shifts to the left side.
This tactical change completely changes the course of the match, only 4 minutes after being implemented. Receiving the ball on the right side, Ounas delivers a precise cross that Maripan fails to clear with a header. Dolberg follows perfectly behind and places an unstoppable header past Lecomte (59th minute). Nice equalizes in this derby.
The match intensifies at the end, and Nice, pushed by its supporters, tries to secure all three points. Tempers flare between the two teams, and Jovetic makes a very dangerous tackle on Lusamba’s leg. Following VAR assistance, the referee, Mr. Delerue, gives a direct red card to the Montenegrin (86th minute).
The Populaire Sud sees an opportunity to defeat their Monegasque neighbor and increases their support in the stands.
And who emerges at the end of added time? Kasper Dolberg, once again, launched on the verge of offside, takes advantage of a cross from Wagué to subtly deflect the ball with his foot. Lecomte is beaten, and the stadium erupts. The Dane is congratulated by all his teammates for this sublime move.
Monaco will not come back in this derby, and Nice wins 2-1.
In the standings, Nice makes an excellent move by overtaking their evening opponent and temporarily moves up to 6th place with 41 points.
