Tonight (7 PM), the Gym continues its European campaign with a long trip to Russia, on the field of Krasnodar. The goal is to make amends after a failed first performance.
Amidst Nice’s superb start to the season, the home defeat against Schalke 04 (0-1, on September 15) somewhat tarnishes their record. Unbeaten in the league, OGC Nice stumbled at home in their debut. A loss that slightly spoiled the club’s reunion with Europe.
Likely overwhelmed by the stakes, Nice misplayed and conceded possession to Schalke, while ball control is one of their strengths in the league. Tonight, Krasnodar is on the horizon. The trip to Russia promises to be long, but tonight’s opponent appears less formidable than Schalke 04.
The Gym will need to stay focused and continue its impressive momentum from the league. Although OGC Nice is leading Ligue 1 and does not prioritize the Europa League, they are not there just to make up the numbers.
The people of Nice, especially Wylan Cyprien, are eagerly anticipating this trip: “It is certainly a very good team, we will need to surpass ourselves and put on a great performance to try and bring back something from there. We play in Europe to discover new leagues, new ways of playing, new countries. I have never been to Russia; it will be an experience to recount after my career. But what is certain is that we play football to experience these moments. We can’t wait to be there!”
The Opponent
The Russian club from the southwest of the country (phew, a not too distant trip) has the assets to be the surprise of the group. Founded in 2008 and having joined the Russian elite in 2011, it quickly climbed the ranks and made its European debut in 2014.
Indeed, Krasnodar made an immediate impression on the European stage with an unexpected victory against Borussia Dortmund, allowing them to finish first in their Europa League group. However, the Russian club was then eliminated in the round of 32 by Sparta Prague.
Among the key players of the team are captain Andreas Granqvist, Brazilian Wanderson, and Charles Kaboré, a former player of Olympique de Marseille.
After eight championship matches, Krasnodar is in sixth place with a balanced record: 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. The club has scored 12 goals and conceded 7.
The Absentees
On the Nice side, Valentin Eysseric returns after being suspended for the first match. The prolonged absences of Maxime Le Marchand, Mickaël Le Bihan, and Gautier Lloris (injured) are still to be lamented.
Mathieu Bodmer, who is ill, has ultimately been replaced by Alexy Bosetti in the squad.
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Hassen, Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Souquet, Baysse, Ricardo, Boscagli, Dalbert, Dante, Sarr
Midfielders: Belhanda, Seri, Lusamba, Eysseric, Walter, Cyprien, Koziello
Forwards: Balotelli, Pléa, Donis, Bosetti
The Referee
The match will be officiated by Croatian referee Ivan Bebek. The Aiglons will be facing an experienced referee, as Mr. Bebek (39 years old) officiated his first Croatian league match in 2000 and his first European Cup match in 2003.
