At the end of this year in the Marmara Spike Ligue and for the 13th day, Nice Volley-Ball traveled to Tours this Tuesday, December 30, 2025, hoping to extend their recent winning streak, notably marked by their victory against Montpellier, the leader at the end of the 12th day. Would the Touraine team, champions of France 2024-2025 and second in the standings, fall under the Nice team, currently 7th and capable of further progress?
In their last encounter, the Eagles were defeated in the tie-break after a highly contested duel.
First set: A tight duel
The two teams engaged in a point-by-point battle. Despite the absence of several key players, Tours resisted Nice’s onslaughts. The surprise came from the departure of Alexandre Ostrello, who left for Italy after activating his exit clause. Samuel Njok, sick, was also absent, but the depth of the Touraine bench compensated. Propelled by Dawid Dulski, the Eagles attacked effectively, while Nack-Nimen frequently countered the opposing offensives. The score remained tight (20-20) before Tours pulled ahead in decisive exchanges and won (25-22), not without difficulty.
Second set: Tours dominates unchallenged
Nice’s attacks repeatedly stumbled on the Touraine block. TVB increased the lead (14-7). Nice attempted a setter change with Pépin Rajoharivelo, but the effect remained limited. Tours, relentless, delivered powerful serves and impressive blocks (21-12).
The Nice team, powerless, suffered a logical defeat (25-16).
Third set: An unequivocal end
The Azuréens needed to react to avoid returning without any points. Despite their fight, the score stayed balanced (5-5). Brice Donat made multiple changes, but the pair Ramon-Coric drove Nice further down (18-10). Nice’s reception faltered, and defeat seemed inevitable.
Tours, solid on service, concluded without trembling (25-12).
Tours confirms its contender status. The Touraine team clearly dominated this match, showing a gap in level. Nice will need to find solutions to compete with such teams. Brice Donat’s players, never able to express themselves, were soundly defeated (25-22, 25-16, 25-12). After a great series, Nice will slip in the standings.
Next home game against Toulouse, Sunday, January 4, at 4:30 PM.
