On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM, Nice Volley-Ball hosted Montpellier, leaders of the Marmara Spike League, for the 12th day of the Men’s Ligue A. The goal was to stay in the top half of the standings after Paris’s recent defeat.
In a vibrant Palmeira hall and in front of a boisterous crowd, Montpellier immediately got into the thick of things with numerous monster blocks and aggressive serves. The Niçois regularly responded with superb counterattacks and stayed within reach.
The Montpellier side made a very strong start and frequently won the rallies. On the Eagles’ side, Dawid Dulski, usually in good form, was less prominent.
First set: Montpellier sets the tone
A well-timed timeout and good coaching from Brice DONAT allowed Nice to improve its reception, giving its setter more options in the middle. Despite closing the gap, Nice ultimately lost the first set (20-25).
Second set: a tight contest
The game resumed with a flurry of unforced errors preventing either team from pulling away. The score was (6-6).
The Eagles realized they had to surpass themselves to compete, and their attacks became more effective thanks to better reception. The Niçois, acting as underdogs, played boldly and took the lead. However, the Héraultais, buoyed by their international players, particularly the excellent Polish setter Matias SANCHEZ PAGES (brilliant in the last Olympics), drew level.
Dawid Dulski then regained his attacking prowess, while Montpellier struggled with their reception. Nice confirmed their dominance and won the set (25-20).
Third set: Nice stays focused and capitalizes on opponent’s mistakes
The Azuréens had a strong start, showing particular focus in reception and all aspects of play, while Montpellier took risks that didn’t pay off.
Nice capitalized to widen the gap (17-11) in a high-quality encounter with impressive game speed. The tradition of fiercely contested matches between the two teams was upheld.
Montpellier played well, but Nice proved they could compete with the top teams. Dulski finally confirmed his current form, combining power and finesse. The score showed (20-14) and a change in setter for Montpellier didn’t alter the course.
Nice won again (25-18) and already collected a valuable point for the standings.
A fourth set to defy expectations?
A reaction from the Héraultais was expected, given the recent matches between the two sides.
Driven by Ryley BARNES, seemingly recovered from his injury, Nice was relentless. The Montpellier attackers were forced to take risks that did not pay off. The Eagles dominated their prestigious rival despite the latter’s impeccable reception.
We were surprised by the excellent level of the Niçois, who, with great serenity, kept their opponents under pressure. There was a sense of a possible upset, but also fear of a comeback.
But it was not to be: Nice Volley dominated the league leaders and won a prestigious match (25-17).
The Eagles are a team to watch this season.
Brice Donat’s players triumphed splendidly in four sets (20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-17).
The next match is after the holidays: January 4 against Toulouse. See the calendar.
