It was the second time that people from Nice and Nantes were competing for a spot in a knockout competition. This time, fate and the outcome did not favor the young eagles.
After eliminating the Canaries in the French Cup (2-0), the Eagles missed the repeat last night, still at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Trailing at halftime due to a goal by Digard (17th minute), the Canaries “let loose” in the second half. And although the team from Nice came back each time after Djordjevic’s brace and Vizcarrondo’s goal, it was Serge Gakpe – who provided three assists – who secured the final victory with a stunning mid-range strike.
What regrets for Claude Puel’s men, who did not hide his bitterness: “my players would have deserved at least extra time.”
A first wild card for the race to Europe has been played, leaving the French Cup with a possibly thrilling match against Olympique de Marseille in the Phocean city.
Back to the championship, on Saturday at 8 PM at the Allianz Riviera, to host a team from Ajaccio, the league’s bottom team, who might well burn its last chances with a defeat in Nice’s land.
