Thanks to a goal from Wylan Cyprien and a solid match, the Gym clinched three points in Bordeaux (0-1) and moved away from the relegation zone. A foundational success for Patrick Vieira’s group.
Without a win in three games, and not properly rewarded for their efforts in Toulouse (1-1) and against OM (0-1), the Aiglons delivered a comprehensive match in Gironde to achieve their third away win of the season. It wasn’t perfect, especially during the last challenging half-hour, but Dante and his teammates showed resilience and secured victory as a cohesive unit that didn’t falter from the first to the last minute.
Despite missing two key defensive players, Christophe Hérelle and Youcef Atal, due to injury, Patrick Vieira chose continuity in his tactical organization, repositioning Christophe Jallet in the center and bringing Patrick Burner back on the right wing for the Martinique player’s second start of the season.
Between two teams lacking confidence, one of which had played Thursday night in Russia, one might expect a cautious start, but the 22 players soon made their intentions clear. Despite difficult conditions caused by continuous rain at the Matmut Atlantique, both teams matched each other’s intensity during a very lively first half. Paradoxically, the controlled attacks were mostly by the Gym (Coly’s off-target header 2nd minute, Balotelli’s pivot shot 15th minute, Costil’s save against Danilo 18th minute) while the locals were primarily dangerous during counter-attacks, relying on Kamano’s speed (blocked by Dante in the 3rd minute, a weak shot at Benitez in the 7th minute).
The Gym, methodical and brilliant in ball exits—something of a hallmark for the last three years—controlled the ball and mounted attacks in the midfield with a revitalized Cyprien and an impressive Danilo at the top of the triangle. However, as often seen this season, they lacked a bit of spontaneity (confidence?) in the final pass or taking shots to make a difference.
Despite a scare when Saint-Maximin collapsed during first-half stoppage time and left the field supported by the Nice medical staff, the Aiglons’ top scorer returned after the break. His return was decisive as he assisted Wylan Cyprien, who opened the scoring in the 54th minute after a superb move he initiated himself. After breaking through the center, he passed to Saint-Maximin on his left, who held off the defense and returned the ball perfectly. With composure and accuracy, Cyprien opened his right foot for his first goal of the season, perhaps marking the return of the “great” Wylan (0-1, 54th minute).
This lead was well-deserved for a coherent and spirited Nice team that managed to nip the locals’ attempts in the bud with exceptional anticipation. However, the last half-hour was more challenging for Patrick Vieira’s charges. Right after the restart, Dante had to dive to block Briand’s shot to maintain the lead (55th minute). Briand missed the target again, despite being well-positioned. The Gym began unconsciously retreating, especially when Bordeaux made two offensive substitutions, bringing on Karamoh and Cornelius.
The luck that had often eluded the Aiglons at this stage of the season favored them when Lerager “broke” the crossbar with a missile from 20 meters, following an action where Benitez was decisive against Karamoh (69th minute). The Aiglons’ goalkeeper and veterans Dante and Jallet were heroic in fending off the home team’s strikes and balls into the box. The Aiglons’ captain sacrificed himself in the 73rd minute to block Kamano’s shot with his chest. In stoppage time, the Argentine colossus soared to clear Cornelius’ header that was heading for the top corner.
Though it was hard-fought, the Gym, which could have doubled the score with Ganago’s first touch (81st minute), managed to keep a clean sheet and secure a victory that moved them back to mid-table. This set the stage for a week where the Red and Black will play twice in front of their home crowd, on Wednesday (6:45 pm) against Auxerre in the League Cup and on Saturday (8 pm) against Amiens.
PATRICK VIEIRA’S REACTION
“We suffered enormously in the last twenty minutes. We managed to be united and defended very well. Overall, I think we didn’t steal the three points. We had quite a bit of technical waste, but in terms of spirit, we were good. We tried to play, we respected what had been set up. We created opportunities; we could have scored earlier but lacked success. What was necessary was to remain positive, and I think it will be better and better in terms of confidence.”
WYLAN CYPRIEN’S REACTION
“The first half was competitive, with the best chances for us and some situations for the home side. We had control, but we needed to be more clinical in front of the goal. We managed this upon returning from the locker room, but then we struggled to control the match until the end. It was hard at the end as they pushed forward, bringing in more attackers. We held firm and fought back. We were determined to turn good performances into a victory because, last week against Marseille, we played well without getting the result we wanted (0-1). Tonight, there was some good play, then some hard work at the end. No one shied away from defensive duties. It’s encouraging for the future. It’s a benchmark game in terms of defense.”
CHRISTOPHE JALLET’S REACTION
“We were in a bit of a difficult patch, with a lack of success, and, therefore, less confidence. When we had the chance to open the score, we didn’t play our usual game too much because we were afraid of being caught up. These 3 points are really welcome before heading into a very important week. You should never let anything slip in life. It’s through victories like this that a group is forged. We all put in the effort, from strikers to defenders. Not to forget Walter (Benitez), who made a great save at the end… It’s a collective reward. We are very happy to leave with the 3 points.”
