Around the gala match between Nice and Barcelona, numerous activities entertained the pre-game atmosphere. Nearly 41 years after the UEFA Cup match that saw Nice eliminate the Catalans, the 1973 “Aiglons” were honored at the Café des Aiglons. A success that calls for more.
Today they are between 59 and 66 years old but remain in the hearts of the people of Nice. For the older generation, they will forever be the heroes of 1973, those who eliminated the great FC Barcelona on September 19 at Stade du Ray (3-0) and on October 3 at Camp Nou (0-2). Dominque Baratelli, goalkeeper, Dario Grava, defender, Jean-Noël Huck, midfielder, Bernard Castellani and Marco Molitor, attackers, were present this Saturday evening at the Café des Aiglons for a signing session in tribute to their feat.
The five “Aiglons” wore, for the occasion, the OGC Nice-FC Barcelona match jersey, 2014 version, emblazoned with their names and the numbers they wore at the time. A nice initiative by Jean-Pierre Rivère, the club’s president, and his team to highlight the veterans who made the club’s history, gathered at the Café des Aiglons. More than a hundred people attended at the National Sports Museum, thrilled to meet their idols or to introduce the new generation to those who proudly represented Nice.
“The Café is like the stadium: a success. It’s a friendly place that well reflects the image of OGC Nice, a family club with a history,” appreciates Jean-Noël Huck, sporting number 8.
“It’s a great success, we didn’t expect so many people more than 2 hours before the start of the match. In collaboration with the club, we plan to renew the experience every match night, with appearances by former “Aiglons” or current squad players who are injured or suspended,” explains Thomas Fanari, one of the National Sports Museum’s executives.
A month after its inauguration, the Café des Aiglons drew the crowds this Saturday night. Curious, a hundred visitors came to admire the large collection of scarves and jerseys, as well as play some foosball games with the Nice anthems playing in the background.
“This is my first time setting foot in this Café des Aiglons. It’s pleasant to see the club’s history highlighted; it’s very important not to forget the roots in order to develop, and this is what OGC Nice does every year,” emphasizes Dominique Baratelli, happy to sign many posters for Nice supporters.
The five men had the honor of strolling onto the Allianz Riviera pitch 20 minutes before kickoff, cheered by the spectators present. The heroes of 1973 were able to watch a summary of the first leg against Barcelona held at Stade du Ray before receiving a bouquet from the hands of young people from Nice.
