Nice dominated Marseille (2-0) during the clash of the 19th round of Ligue 1. Thanks to a solid collective performance and sharp counterattacks, the Eagles move within one point of the podium.
At the Allianz Riviera, Nice hosted Marseille in a crucial duel for the top of the standings. As early as the 7th minute, Lilian Brassier made a costly mistake for his team. The Marseille defender, under pressure from Evan Guessand, lost the ball. The Nice forward, relentless, beat Geronimo Rulli with a precise chip.
Despite having a significant share of possession (62%), the visitors struggled to trouble Marcin Bulka. The Nice team relied on their high pressing and quick counterattacks. In the 36th minute, Gaëtan Laborde narrowly missed extending the lead with a spectacular scissor kick that barely missed the post.
At the end of the first half, both goalkeepers showcased their skills. Marcin Bulka deflected a powerful shot from Quentin Merlin, and then a shot from Valentin Rongier under the crossbar. On his side, Geronimo Rulli prevented Jonathan Clauss from doubling the score for Nice. At halftime, the Eagles maintained their lead (1-0).
A Solid Nice Collective in the Second Half
The start of the second half was similar to the first: Marseille pressed but lacked precision. In the 51st minute, Nice doubled their lead thanks to Mohamed-Ali Cho, perfectly set up by Evan Guessand after a counterattack. The Nice forward, cool-headed, beat the Marseille goalkeeper with an unstoppable cross shot.
OM tried to respond, notably with Luis Henrique and Adrien Rabiot, but the Gym goalkeeper remained unbeatable. The Nice team, well-organized, effectively resisted the Marseille attacks and neutralized their offensive efforts.
The numerous changes made on the Marseille side did not provide a solution. Geronimo Rulli once again saved his team by deflecting a shot from the man who ended the match as the man of the match, Evan Guessand.
United and disciplined tonight, OGC Nice deserved their victory (2-0). This clear win allows the Eagles to move within one point of the podium. Marseille, ineffective and weighed down by Lilian Brassier’s error, missed a great opportunity to solidify their second place.
After the match, the coach of the red and blacks, Franck Haise, expressed his satisfaction in a press conference. He also spoke about the club’s “objectives” thanks to this valuable success: “How far can we go? I often repeat, we shouldn’t set limits for ourselves. The squad will strengthen in the coming weeks. We’re not recruiting, no, we’ve already recruited Baptiste (Santamaria), but injured players will return. We have a quality squad, let’s not set limits for ourselves. It’s pointless to create any.” That’s what he said.
Now the Gym has an appointment on Thursday evening for their final Europa League match against the Norwegians from Bodo-Glimt. Kick-off at the Allianz Riviera at 9 PM.
