That’s it, it’s done. OGC Nice is in the final of the League Cup. A goal by Ederson in the 88th minute was enough to end a 9-year drought. A goal that all the people of Nice waited and hoped for, whether in front of their television, computer screen, listening to their radio, or of course, being in the stands of the Louis II stadium.
17,341 spectators and how many from Nice? 8,000? 10,000? 12,000? One thing is certain: they were everywhere. From the general admission areas, typical spots for visitors, to the premium seats, the side lines, the upper tiers, and even the most daring in the standing section… Louis II stadium truly welcomed the people of Nice. Even Clément from Antibes, accompanied by his faithful Balthazar, came to support the Niçois, who are now more than ever on the path to a pre-destined success.
All the Nice players agree that the red and black supporters gave them that little extra that often makes a difference in these types of matches. Derbies are always heated, and this one was no exception. Rough play and dangerous actions—these are the things that galvanize men and ignite the desire to support their team.
As the true twelfth man, as usual, the people of Nice propelled their players to score this liberating goal. Symbolically, it was the young Brazilian from Nice, already a marvelous scorer last season against these same Monégasques, who freed his team and sent them to the Stade de France.
Nice-Première at the Heart of the Standing Section
Amid persistent rumors about the Monégasque ticketing policy that barred Nice fans from areas reserved for AS Monaco supporters, Nice Première chose to experience this crucial match right in the Monégasque stands.
I entered the stadium around 8:15 PM and after hiding my red and black jersey (to evade the security cordon), I immediately sought to get closer to any potential Niçois who might have had the same idea as me. Some did not hesitate to wear scarves or flags on the left side of the stand. I naturally headed towards them, and we were able to calmly follow the match. As the match progressed, masks fell off, and it was clear that there were quite a few Niçois or sympathizers within this stand.
But the highlight of the match was Ederson’s furious header. My new friends and I had the fortune of witnessing it up close, the goal being scored right before our eyes. This was followed by an surreal scene, with the entire left side of the stand jumping in unison with the rest of the stadium. Police forces had to intervene to calm down a few “ultras” in red and white who did not appreciate the gentle teasing within their own stand.
After a few heroic clearances, Laurent Duhamel relieved an entire ecstatic stadium by sending the 22 players back to the locker room. The standing section emptied in no time, and all the stands could commune with their heroes.
A lap of honor undertaken by a few players allowed privileged supporters to retrieve jerseys. Special thanks to Pancho Abardonado who, as usual, forgot no one, except the standing section!!! But one can’t blame him, right?
A truly beautiful evening as we love to experience in a football stadium. A great evening that surely calls for another. THE most beautiful for the club since the last final in ’97. Balthazar has already started thinking about it; he who proved tonight that after Korea in 2002 and Portugal in 2004, he still had some magic left…
