The European adventure of the Gym continued in Hungary, against the local giant, Ferencváros. The Eaglets, having delivered a poor performance, were defeated (0-1) and saw their chances of qualification gradually slipping away.
Chapter 3 of the European adventure of OGC Nice! Destination: Hungary to challenge the reigning local champion, Ferencváros. The team led by Franck Haise needed points in this Europa League. To recall, the team from Nice had drawn with Real Sociedad (1-1) before literally sinking on the pitch of Lazio Rome (1-4). In other words, this third European battle was already a decisive one for the continuation of the Eaglets’ adventure.
Regarding the lineup, Franck Haise was still dealing with absences (Moffi, Dante, Sanson, Ndayishimiye, and Ndombele). Several changes were made to his starting eleven. Tom Louchet, Sofiane Diop, and Gaëtan Laborde returned to the tactical system of Nice. It was the first start in red and black since last August 18 for the Azur scoring ace.
An Average First Half for the Gym
At the start of the match, the team from Nice was particularly jostled by the Hungarians’ aggressiveness. Too timid, the Eaglets began the encounter with difficulty. Even though Antoine Mendy and his teammates created the same situation at the beginning of the match, it was logically Ferencváros who opened the scoring (1-0, 15th minute). On an avoidable free kick, Moïse Bombito inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. Punished for their lack of aggressiveness, the team from Nice found themselves trailing in score as early as the first quarter-hour.
After this goal, the team from Nice tried to react. But their possession was too sterile to trouble the Hungarian block. The Azur offensives lacked precision to pose a threat. Moving at a too leisurely pace, Nice did not rise to the level demanded for a European Cup match. Worse still, Marcin Bulka avoided further disaster before the break. The Polish goalkeeper won his one-on-one duel following a final Hungarian counterattack.
Not Much Better Afterwards
With their backs against the wall, the Gym had no choice at the start of the second half. Right from the resumption, Nice’s intentions seemed better. By opening up, the team from Nice found themselves in danger with each loss of the ball, perfectly exploited by counterattacks from Ferencváros. Mohamed Abdelmonem had to intervene on his line to prevent the breakaway goal. OGC Nice couldn’t get the match going.
The awaited response did not come from Nice. The Hungarian evening turned into a disaster. The Gym ended the match with ten men. Having committed a foul as the last defender, Pablo Rosario left his teammates at a numerical disadvantage. A new defeat that doesn’t improve OGC Nice’s situation. Franck Haise’s players remain in a provisional 31st place in the Europa League standings, far from qualifying spots for the next round in this European competition. A night to forget for the Eaglets!
The next match is this Sunday, October 27, for the Gym. In a heated derby, OGC Nice hosts its neighbor, Monaco, as part of the 9th matchday of Ligue 1. Kick-off for the match is at 5 PM at the Allianz Riviera.
