OGC Nice meets its first opponent in the Coupe de France. The draw for the round of 32 designated AS Saint-Étienne. The match will take place at the Allianz Riviera and will be played on either Friday 19, Saturday 20, or Sunday 21 December. The exact date will be announced later. A not-so-favorable draw for the Gym.
The draw was conducted this Monday evening at the Parc des Princes. Both clubs discovered their fixtures at the same time as all the other participating teams. This round marks the entry of Ligue 1 teams. For Nice, this event comes at a peculiar time, marked by mixed results in the championship and in European competitions.
OGC Nice approaches this match with caution. The Gym is only in 10th place in Ligue 1 and is coming off another defeat on the field at Lorient. A loss with heavy consequences for the Red and Black. The match confirmed a difficult series with several losses across all competitions. The team needs to react. Coach Franck Haise is still searching for lasting balance. The Coupe de France could offer a breath of fresh air. It also represents an opportunity to revive their momentum.
The match against Saint-Étienne will not be simple. The Forez club has been playing in Ligue 2 since their relegation. However, it remains an important player in French football. The team is in second place in the standings thanks to a squad that mixes experienced players with young ones who have established themselves for several months. The club aims to return to the top tier quickly. This trip to Nice will be a test. It will also indicate the group’s ability to compete with a Ligue 1 opponent.
An Objective That Could Save the Season
The encounter will pit two clubs in different situations against each other but driven by the same goal. Nice wants reassurance. Saint-Étienne wants to continue its progress. The Coupe de France will remain a hiatus in each of their calendars. But this hiatus can influence the rest of the season.
Nice supporters are looking forward to this event. The competition is often unpredictable. It sometimes offers unexpected runs. It can also relieve the pressure of the championship. The prospect of a home game can be reassuring despite several recent setbacks. The stadium will play a role. Last season, Nice dominated Saint-Étienne on the same ground. The score was (3-1). However, the context was different as both clubs were then in Ligue 1.
Saint-Étienne, on the other hand, comes with a more stable dynamic. The start of the season has been marked by consistent results. The club has established a solid base in Ligue 2.
For OGC Nice, the stakes go beyond the simple result. The club needs to regain a sense of confidence. The Coupe de France can provide this framework and offer a perspective in the event of qualification.
The weekend of December 20 and 21 will therefore have a concrete stake for both clubs. The round of 32 will offer an initial answer.
