The matches are piling up for OGC Nice, and the stakes grow with each underperformance. On Sunday, the Eaglets will face Montpellier for the last match in the history of the Stade du Ray. It is an opportunity to quickly rebound after the disappointment of being eliminated in the Europa League playoffs on Thursday.
It is a difficult situation for the players, both mentally and physically exhausted from the match against Apollon Limassol. But after bidding farewell to the European Cup, the Azurinians must bounce back in the league. In case of a draw or loss against the Hรฉrault team, doubt might set in among the red and black team.
This match is already crucial considering the schedule, taking place three days after the intense European Cup match and just before the international break. A victory seems imperative for the last match at the Ray against an opponent still recovering from numerous off-season changes. The mindset will likely play a significant role for the Niรงois, in the absence of last season’s gameplay and teamwork on the field.
Unfortunately, the defense, having struggled since the beginning of the season, is expected to remain the same. The game should revolve around the young Namphalys Mendy, who has been outstanding in his first matches in red and black. In attack, Dario Cvitanich will be the key to the match against a not-so-reassuring Montpellier defense led by Daniel Congrรฉ. The rest of Jean Fernandez’s squad is much more promising with strong individual potential. Cabella leads the way, along with Stambouli, Montano, or Mounier… On paper, Montpellier is the favorite, but Jean Fernandez’s men remain on an unimpressive last-minute win against Sochaux. This is partly due to the departure of several key players from their championship-winning team, like Belhanda, Bedimo, or coach Renรฉ Girard.
Jean Fernandez, who arrived in the off-season and was heavily criticized after his disastrous stint at Nancy, is still groping with a qualitatively limited squad. Considering these parameters, the team led by President Nicollin is within reach of Claude Puel’s men, provided they completely erase recent performances from their minds. The Ray dreams of one last explosion after 85 years of memories, joys, sadness, and passion. As one of the last strongholds of old-school football, the Ray deserves a tribute from supporters and players worthy of its history and status. A victory would be the greatest transition between the Ray’s past and the future of the Allianz Riviera.
