OGC Nice and Stade Brestois parted with a goalless draw (0-0) this Saturday, December 14.
A new lineup for OGC Nice at the start of this match, arranged in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Benitez is the goalkeeper. The defense against Metz is retained, with Burner on the right, Sarr and Dante centrally, and N’Soki on the left. In midfield, Wylan Cyprien and Pierre Lees-Melou occupy the holding positions. Adam Ounas is positioned as a playmaker, supported by Claude-Maurice and Ganago. Finally, Dolberg plays upfront.
Throughout the first half, the Nice team struggled against the high pressing of the Brest team. They were constantly pushed back into their half of the field, and the forwards had very few opportunities. Under heavy rain, the Nice players made numerous errors, especially in terms of passing, with exchanges often intercepted.
The Brest team even earned a penalty due to a foul by Dante on Charbonnier. In trying to protect himself, Dante put his arm on Charbonnier’s face. Understandably, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Charbonnier took the shot but his strike was deflected by Benitez’s crossbar (35th minute).
OGC Nice got away fairly well in this completely failed first half collectively.
In the second half, the Gym returned with much better intentions, and long shots from Claude-Maurice and Lees-Melou forced Larsonneur to make saves.
The Brest team had ball possession while Nice proved dangerous through quick counter-attacks.
In the 64th minute, Adrien Tameze made his return to competition, replacing Ignatius Ganago, who had shown little impact in this match.
However, this change did not alter the course of the match. The Gym left Brittany with a point that does not help them in the standings.
They will need to show a completely different side next Saturday against Toulouse at Allianz Riviera for the last match of the year 2019.
