In this Riviera derby within an Allianz Arena once again empty and silent, Nice and Monaco ended with a 2-2 draw this Sunday. A match with two different faces: the first half in favor of ASM and a second where the Gym could have won.
Under a beautiful summer sun, Nice hosted its closest neighbor Monaco for a derby at a time appreciated only by the Chinese. The first thirty minutes were played at a soporific pace with almost no opportunities.
Monaco was the first to shake off their lethargy, showing danger on several occasions around the half-hour mark before concluding this period of domination through Golovin, following a good cross from Gelson Martins (39th minute).
The Monegasques logically returned to the dressing room with a one-goal lead.
Nice Reacts
From the start of the second half, Nice showed initiative and quickly leveled the score thanks to Andy Delort’s first goal in a Nice jersey. The striker took advantage of an assist from Gouiri to head the ball past the AS Monaco goalkeeper (51st minute).
In continuation, the Gym created a plethora of chances until Boudaoui’s liberating goal, receiving a cross from Delort. It seemed Nice had overcome the toughest part, but the eaglets were caught off guard shortly after following a naive foul by Stengs on Caio Henrique. Wissam Ben Yedder converted the penalty to bring Monaco back level with its neighbor (77th minute).
In an open end to the match, Nice was also awarded a penalty for a handball by Badiashile on a shot from the inevitable Andy Delort, who had a phenomenal second half. Unfortunately for Nice, Gouiri’s shot missed Nubel’s frame.
Nice let their opportunity slip, and despite chances from both sides, the Côte d’Azur derby concluded with an enjoyable 2-2 draw.
Still unbeaten, the Gym takes provisional 4th place while Monaco remains in the mid-table, stuck in 13th place.
It is noteworthy that Nice conceded their first goals of the season after four consecutive clean sheets.
The eaglets will travel to Lorient in the next matchday.
