This Wednesday evening, the Gym traveled to Marseille for a rescheduled match of the 29th day of Ligue 1. At the end of an entertaining and lively match, the two teams parted with a draw (2-2).
Playing on a Wednesday evening, an unusual schedule for OGC Nice. The Aiglons finally played the Mediterranean derby against OM. The match was supposed to take place ten days ago. It was ultimately postponed following the European progress of the Marseillais. 5th at the start, the Aiglons could make a big impact in the European race. But the task was not going to be simple on the field of the Phocaean rival.
In terms of lineup, there was a small surprise on the OGC Nice side. Injured against Lorient and doubtful for this match, Jordan Lotomba was not on the match sheet. Antoine Mendy took his place in the red and black starting eleven. Also doubtful, Khephren Thuram started this derby.
Moffi for the opening goal
From the very first minutes, intensity and duels were present in this derby. It was OGC Nice that opened the scoring after a quarter-hour of play thanks to Terem Moffi (0-1). In its first collective move, the Gym took the lead. The breakthrough of Jérémie Boga, who then combined with Mohamed Ali Cho, allowed the Nigerian international to score his 11th goal of the season in Ligue 1.
But the Aiglons suffered more after this goal. OM logically came back into the match at the half-hour mark, thanks to a half-volley from Jonathan Clauss (1-1). Too passive, the Gym couldn’t regain control of the ball. Morgan Sanson had one last chance, but his shot was too weak. Pau Lopez caught the ball without difficulty. Just before halftime, the Marseille striker, Faris Moumbagna received a second yellow card. OM was down to ten players in this match.
A lively second half
The Gym returned well from the locker room. Jérémie Boga, found in the Marseille area, beat Pau Lopez. But the Ivorian was rightly flagged for offside. However, the Marseillais earned a very harsh penalty. As Mohamed Ali Cho cleared the ball in the area, the Nice player landed on Léonardo Balerdi’s foot, completely unintentionally. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted it (2-1). The Niçois struggled in their build-up. But the Gym managed to come back in this match.
From 18 meters out, Melvin Bard took his chance. His low, driven shot ended up in the bottom corner of Pau Lopez’s net (2-2). The Niçois pushed to find the third goal. Marcin Bulka was ready, winning his duel against the substitute Iliman Ndiaye. On a final solo run, Aubameyang saw his ball stopped by the crossbar of Marcin Bulka’s goal. The Niçois had a major scare with this last opportunity.
Next match is on Sunday, April 28 for OGC Nice. The Aiglons will travel to Strasbourg, as part of the 31st day of Ligue 1. Kickoff at 3 p.m.
