It’s by the smallest of margins that the Eaglets emerged victorious in the duel against a Toulouse side that hadn’t come to Nice as a sacrificial victim with the same need for points as the Azureans. Three points that ultimately went into Nice’s pocket thanks to a new goal by Dario Cvitanich at the hour mark!
With seven points taken from the last three matches, Claude Puel’s men once again produced a disciplined performance and showed particular rigor in both construction and defense. With the returns of Traoré and Pejcinoviv and despite Civelli’s absence, the Nice team was dangerous on multiple occasions in the first half through Pied, but could have just as easily conceded the first goal if the post hadn’t stopped Akpa-Akpro’s strike. Cvitanich even had the chance to score just before the break but failed due to Blondel’s intervention, which dashed the hopes of the Nice striker. A goalless draw at halftime, all things considered, was deserved.
Back to the pitch and the serious business for the Nice players as they immediately rush the Toulouse defense, which bends but does not break for the moment. It was first Digard who forced Blondel into a great save with his long-range strike, and the Red and Black’s pressing became more intense. Approaching the hour mark, a fouled free kick by Eysseric fell in the Toulouse area and eventually dropped to the feet of Dario Cvitanich who did not ask for more. A deserved opening goal for OGC Nice and relief for the Stade du Ray.
The remaining minutes were painful and seemed to drag on, with a superb chance for Toulouse to level the score, but Ospina first and then his post played the role of the last line of defense. Finally, the last seconds and the final whistle blew, allowing the Eaglets to enjoy three precious points and position themselves in eleventh place in the standings before heading to Sochaux next Saturday, and then hosting the stars and “Italian” bench of PSG at the Ray the following week.
