OGC Nice was defeated by Olympique de Marseille 3-2 in the catch-up match of the 11th day of Ligue 1 UberEats.
In recent matches, there had been significant improvement on the OGC Nice side, but tonight those improvements were not evident. After being defeated by PSG this weekend, they needed to find the path to victory against Olympique de Marseille. Adrian Ursea was without Saliba and Todibo, both of whom, having arrived this winter, were not qualified to play in this match. The defensive solidity gained over the past few weeks was much less present.
The Marseillais lined up a reshuffled team and yet Luis Henrique delivered the first blow on Benitez’s goal, the shot from the Brazilian was saved (4th minute). Rony Lopes responded and tried his luck three minutes later, but Mandanda saved without difficulty.
After that, Nice was timid and Marseille raised their level of play. After a set piece, Payet put the ball into the box and Alvaro managed to recover it and send a sharp strike into the goal. Technically imprecise, the Eagles were unable to react and hold onto the ball. The Phocéens controlled the game and widened the gap just before halftime. After very good work from Luis Henrique, the Brazilian served Khaoui. Completely alone, the Tunisian crossed his shot to allow OM to secure the lead.
⚽️ Gooooal! @aminegouiri cuts at the near post a superb cross from Boudaoui. The Gym reduces the gap!#OMOGCN 2️⃣-1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/J2M0jnS4QQ
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) February 17, 2021
A Small Awakening
Trailing 2-0, Nice had to react upon returning from the locker room. Amine Gouiri, the spearhead of this attack, reduced the score at the start of the second half. The Gym’s top scorer intercepted a near-post cross and surprised Mandanda. However, the hope was short-lived. Six minutes later, Khaoui recovered the ball at the edge of the box, took advantage of further defensive laxity to launch a missile under Benitez’s bar (53rd minute).
⚽️ Gooooal! @aminegouiri cuts at the near post a superb cross from Boudaoui. The Gym reduces the gap!#OMOGCN 2️⃣-1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/J2M0jnS4QQ
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) February 17, 2021
Nice seemed knocked out and Marseille in control. Gouiri came very close to reducing the gap again by intercepting a ball in the box, but the U21 international failed to hit the target. After that, there were few real opportunities for Adrian Ursea’s players.
Unable to destabilize the Marseille block for long periods, they had to wait until the end of the match to see openings emerge. Gouiri broke through on the left side and crossed to the far post where Sellouki volleyed in with his left foot at close range (87th minute). The Gym threw its last forces into the battle to try to salvage a draw and earned a free kick 25m from Mandanda’s goal in the final seconds. The number 11 for the Eagles set up and delivered a powerful strike towards the goalkeeper’s side. The OM captain was beaten… but saved by his post and then by Amavi who cleared the ball.
⚽️ Malik Sellouki shoots first time from an Amine Gouiri cross and celebrates his first entry in L1 with a goal! The Gym reduces the gap!#OMOGCN 3️⃣-2️⃣ (87′) pic.twitter.com/bYr9cFhuUI
— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) February 17, 2021
OGCN logically loses 3-2 and is in 14th place in the standings. Next appointment, this weekend against Metz at home.
