This Sunday afternoon, the Gym faced FC Nantes at the Allianz Riviera as part of the 27th day of Ligue 1. After a lackluster performance, OGC Nice was defeated (1-2).
The international break over, the Eagles were back on the field this weekend. OGC Nice was hosting Nantes, currently 16th and in the relegation play-off spot, this afternoon. The Nice team was kicking off the final stretch of the championship. Francesco Farioli’s men needed to win to stay in the race for European places.
For this match, Francesco Farioli fielded an unprecedented trio in midfield. Faced with many absences in this crucial area (Rosario, Thuram, Ndayishimiye, Sanson), Alexis Claude-Maurice, Tom Louchet, and Hicham Boudaoui were starters. Romain Perraud was preferred over Melvin Bard on the left side of the Nice defense. Lastly, the attacking trio Mohamed-Ali Cho, Terem Moffi, and Jérémie Boga were retained in attack.
A Disappointing First Half
Right from the start, the Nice team was unsettled by the vigorous Nantais. Troubled by the pressing and the quick transition play of the Canaries, the Gym was deprived of the ball. Logically, FC Nantes took the lead in the 20th minute, thanks to a close-range header from Mathis Abline (0-1).
Trailing, the Eagles seemed unable to react. The Nice team faced enormous problems in building play. Unable to create any dangerous opportunities, the Gym returned to the locker room behind in the score.
An Insufficient Reaction
The Nice players returned with better intentions in the second half. The Gym became increasingly pressing in attack. Just after coming on, Evan Guessand was fouled in the box by Ervin Cömert. After the VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty. Terem Moffi converted it, right down the middle (1-1). With twenty minutes to go, the match was back on.
But FC Nantes did not give up. Five minutes later, Antoine Mendy conceded a penalty in turn after losing the ball at the start of the play. Mostefa Mohamed then scored. Marcin Bulka, having dived to the right side, was too short (1-2). Despite last opportunities, the Gym did not equalize. The Eagles faced another home defeat, their third in the last four matches at the Allianz Riviera.
Next match, next Sunday, on April 7, for the Eagles. OGC Nice will travel to Reims, as part of the 28th day of Ligue 1. Kick-off at 3 p.m.
