Ligue 1: OGC Nice falls again against OL

Despite numerical superiority and a goal disallowed late in the match, OGC Nice fell on the pitch at OL (1-2). Beyond the result, the Gym’s performance had not been sufficient to hope for better in this encounter. After two consecutive wins in the league, this setback marks a halt for Olivier Pantaloni’s squad.

Could OGC Nice achieve three in a row? After victories against LOSC (2-1) and RCSA (2-1) – on return from the break – the Eagles wanted to continue their fine resurgence. The men of Olivier Pantaloni have regained form at home and must now open their account away. Against Lyon, the Gym will have the opportunity to face a real test against one of Ligue 1’s heavyweights. The objective remains the same: take all three points, solidify the Côte d’Azur club’s place in the Top 10 before, why not, aiming higher. But the trip to the Rhône is never a journey like any other for the Nice players, far too often wronged by controversial refereeing decisions against them on the Gones’ pitch in recent years. In a press conference, Niels Nkounkou addressed this topic. “I’ve heard about it, and I’ve seen it too especially,” says the red and black left-back.

Regarding the lineup, Olivier Pantaloni stayed the course: virtually no notable changes in his eleven were to be noted. Hicham Boudaoui started in the midfield double pivot, alongside Axel Witsel, for the first time this season. Djibril Coulibaly, meanwhile, started on the bench. Suffering from headaches and substituted in the first half against Strasbourg, the young player had a modified training week. Across from them, OL played the rotation card. Engaged in the Europa League, the Gones must cope with a packed schedule in the coming weeks. Former Eagle Kaïl Boudache was notably in the starting lineup.

OGC Nice overturned by the Gones

The opening minutes favored the Lyonnais, Jonathan Clauss and his teammates were entrenched in their half. Lyon dominated possession, a difficult start for the Eagles. And yet, it was OGC Nice that opened the scoring on their first chance (0-1, 18′). After a lightning counterattack initiated by Mohammed Amoura, Elye Wahi got ahead of Clinton Mata to score his second goal of the season from a beautiful cross by Jonathan Clauss. A goal that will do the Nice striker a lot of good, having been unsuccessful in his team’s recent outings. Even though his players had unblocked the situation, Olivier Pantaloni was far from satisfied with his side’s opening to the match.

Proof: OL pushed forward again, but Yehvann Diouf was impeccable against the attempt by Mads Bistrup. With a very defensive block, Nice was content to play on the counterattack until the first Nice lapse (1-1, 33′). After an initial shot by Julien Duranville, the OGC Nice goalkeeper, this time, made a handling error. He could not catch this attempt and released the ball in front of Pavel Sulc. Like a poacher in the box, the OL striker only had to tap the offering into the net and level the two teams.

You could say it was not illogical given the ultra-dominance by the Rhône side in this first half. Lyon had found the key and struck twice in less than five minutes (2-1, 36′). From a free kick, Tanner Tessmann gave his side the advantage with a devastating header. An avoidable goal for the Gym especially as the American international seemed free of any marking from start to finish on this play. The passiveness of the Nice defenders was also glaring on this action. OGC Nice had been overturned. “We’re playing way too deep, we’re letting them play”, acknowledged Jonathan Clauss, speaking to L1+, at halftime. It will take a lot to get back into this match.

Frustration for the Eagles!

OGC Nice came back with better intentions: the Gym’s block is positioned higher with the objective of pressing their opponent. It was a near miss to see Axel Witsel level the match. But the Belgian midfielder’s header hit the crossbar of Rémy Descamps. Shortly after, the Lyon keeper was brilliant against Niels Nkounkou. In a strong spell, the Eagles push! If Nice’s pace slowed, an incident would turn in favor of Olivier Pantaloni’s players. For a high foot at the chest of Mohamed Abdelmonem, Keito Nakamura – who came on during the match – was rightfully sent off. With twenty minutes to go, everything remained possible for Gautier Hein and his teammates.

In the wake of the red card, Elye Wahi missed the unmissable. Alone in the box, the Gym striker sent his header onto the post before seeing the ball miraculously end up in the arms of the Lyon goalkeeper. The equalizing chance? Not at all! In the final seconds of the match, the Ivorian international thought he had freed the Nice players with an excellent center from Morgan Sanson, for the latter’s return to competition. But the number 11 of the Eagles was ultimately flagged offside by a few centimeters… A cruel scenario for OGC Nice! After this overall disappointing performance, the Côte d’Azur club will certainly leave Lyon with regrets.

Next match this Friday, October 23rd, for OGC Nice. Olivier Pantaloni’s players embark on a second consecutive away trip, this time to the ground of Stade Brestois. This fixture will open Matchday 8 of Ligue 1. Kick-off at 20:45.