Silent supporters, apathetic and dominated players: the derby against Monaco last Saturday sharply contrasted with the victory a week earlier in Paris. The Eaglets’ performance fluctuates more in terms of game quality than in standings. There are four matches left before the end of the season. The schedule appears challenging for hopes of securing a qualifying spot for UEFA. OGC Nice will travel to Bordeaux, then Valenciennes, and will host Lyon and Caen. The first step is not the easiest.
The Bordeaux team has been stringing together home wins (four consecutive) and has shaken Lyon. Cavenaghi keeps rattling the nets (a goal every 85 minutes in the league), Wendel is stirring up his wing, and Micoud and Ramé have become decisive again. Laurent Blanc’s men are all-in on the league championship. Their elimination in the French Cup against Sedan proves it. The last stat that will not reassure the red and black supporters: Nice hasn’t won in Bordeaux since 1977 (a 5-3 victory).
Currently ninth, Frédéric Antonetti’s players have nothing to fear and everything to hope for. Why not achieve a feat? The positives: Alonso is doubtful, suffering from an ankle sprain, and the need for a result could lead to haste or impatience. Florian Marange, the Bordeaux side-back, fears the Azurean play: “It’s one of the teams in the league that plays the best by trying to create play.” Creating play, not hesitating to clear the balls, and taking offensive risks will be the keys to achieving a positive result as was the case in Paris.
Will the Eaglets be able to overcome the Bordeaux stage before climbing the Lyon mountain on May 3rd? Answer Saturday night.
