Nice wins 2-1 in Bordeaux thanks to Amavi and Plea. The Aiglons confirm their resurgence after last week’s victory against Lorient. Despite Bordeaux opening the scoring, the Nice team showed character and skill to achieve a fine success.
Nice has definitely changed. The poor performances at Lens and Valenciennes are to be put away. Taking points in Bordeaux was a challenge, and it has been fully validated. A response, skill, and aggressiveness (in a good way), the Aiglons have evolved mentally. They say it, and it is evident.
The match starts timidly, a true observation round for about ten minutes. The Nice team presses high, allowing the whole formation to move up. Neither team approaches the opposing goal. The defensive midfielders from Nice, Mendy and Hult, deliver an excellent first quarter. The first half-chance is from Nice via Valentin Eysseric, who gets past Mariano before crossing strongly, but Bauthéac cannot follow up (10th, 0-0). Bordeaux takes 30 minutes to create a real opportunity. After losing the ball by Jordan Amavi, Rolan retrieves but shoots wide (31st, 0-0). The following action is decisive in this first half. Maurice-Belay advances into the Nice penalty area but is stopped in his tracks by Mouez Hassen. Referee M. Millot logically points to the penalty spot. The Uruguayan international Diego Rolan steps up and sends Hassen the wrong way (1-0, 32nd). Claude Puel’s men respond well. Carlos Eduardo’s volley goes over, and then the Brazilian sees his shot deflected just before halftime. One chance, one goal. Bordeaux is very realistic.
“At halftime, the coach told us to let loose. We were comfortable in the game, we knew we could do something. After coming back from the locker room, we gave it our all and we did it. For once, we win two consecutive matches,” rejoiced Alassane Plea on BeInSports.
The second half resumes on the same foundations as the first. Slow pace, few clear chances except Mouez Hassen’s save on Touré’s free kick (1-0, 49th). Nice’s success comes after the hour mark. Valentin Eysseric’s free kick is perfectly taken and headed in by Jordan Amavi, Carrasso is beaten (1-1, 65th). The Nice left-back is unstoppable, just like since the start of the season. His curling right-footed shot goes narrowly wide. Bordeaux’s steal could have occurred in the 77th minute. From a 28m free kick, Sertic hits the crossbar, Nice can breathe. Hassen saves his team in the 85th minute with an outstretched foot to deny Sala. A few seconds before stoppage time, the team begins to dream of victory. Mendy recovers the ball in midfield, passes to Eysseric who provides a brilliant pass across to Bautheac. The speed of Nice’s left midfielder makes the difference, he cuts back for Plea who scores with a side-foot finish past Carrasso (1-2, 89th). The bench can erupt in celebration.
We had to go back to September 24 and 27 to see Nice score consecutive victories, against Monaco (1-0) and against Lille (1-0). As in Caen, Nice’s last victory away (3-2), Amavi and Plea are the scorers. In Bordeaux territory, it’s a vintage victory before hosting Marseille next Friday. Isn’t it said “never 2 without 3”?
Photo credit and more information: www.ogcnice.com
