Nice 2 Bordeaux 1: Le Ray, standing, applauds its eagles followed by a concert of honking around the stadium. The Nice supporters celebrate the heroes of the evening as they await the last eight home games. The South Brigade chants the names of Antonetti and Lilian Laslandes. They thus ratify the transfer market but especially the decision to keep the island coach as the captain of the OGC Nice ship until the end of the season. His mission: to keep the club in Ligue 1. The first battle was won last week by bravely drawing at Gerland against the Lyon giant. The second offers an equally tough opponent: the Girondins de Bordeaux, the vice champions of France.
The Nice soldiers went to battle for 90 minutes. The early minutes are tense. Bordeaux has just suffered two defeats: one at home against Lille in the league and on Tuesday against Montceau-Les-Mines (CFA) in penalty shootout. The Girondins need reassurance. On both sides, the ball is passed around. They try to build with varying levels of success. There are some missteps. Ederson, the Brazilian from Nice, sparks the game at the 12th minute. Laslandes and Faubert wrestle with headers in the penalty area. The ball lands at Ederson’s feet who strikes from 18 meters with his right foot. The ball hits the post and enters the goals of the helpless Ramé. No more posts for Moussilou! Luck finally smiles on the eagles. First opportunity and first goal.
This will inspire the people of Nice. They are liberated. The Bordelais respond twice through their two attackers Marouane Chamakh and Edixon Perea, but Hugo Lloris catches both shots without any problem.
12th minute and second spark of Ederson. He takes the ball in the middle of the field, benefits from the calls of Laslandes and Koné to advance into the opposing defense. He fixes the last defender, accelerates and from 20 meters sends a left-footed strike straight into the top corner. Two opportunities and two goals. The team from Nice is efficient and the Girondins are stunned. Ten minutes later, Johan Micoud, hitherto invisible, will reduce the score with a dry strike at the entrance of the area after a pass from Chamakh. Third opportunity of the game and third goal. 100% efficiency. No more goals will be scored. No clear chances. But the game does not lose in interest.
Nice commits body and soul. A soul that they had sorely missed against Toulouse, Lens, and Montpellier. They defend their lead. And it’s beautiful to see. The Aquitain coach Ricardo launches his offensive forces: the two last South American recruits, Jussié at halftime and Cavenaghi, then the young Obertan. Nothing works. Jussié is very active upon entering then fades. Cavenaghi replaced the inconsistent Perea. He was just as much. Kanté and Apam form an impassable wall, well protected by the three defensive midfielders Balmont, Diakité, and captain Echouafni. For 45 minutes, Bordeaux plays like they’re at the Handball World Championships. The ball circles around the area without ever penetrating. It’s sterile domination. A free kick at the edge of the area sends a ripple of fear in the 85th minute. But Johan Micoud sends his strike over. Fernando does likewise moments later. Mr. Hamer blows the final whistle.
Nice’s victory is well-deserved, obtained through greater combativeness and solidarity. A spirit essential for maintenance and to be renewed next week with the reception of Troyes, a direct competitor. Nice has won a battle but not the war. The mission to stay up will become possible, victory after victory.
