Three days after their victory in Bordeaux (1-0), the Nice team qualified for the round of 16 of the Coupe de la Ligue following their 3-2 win over Auxerre. It was a painful qualification, as the visitors pushed hard in the final minutes.
Second consecutive victory for OGCNice. After their win in Bordeaux last Sunday (1-0), the teammates of Christophe Jallet, who was captain last night, continued their winning streak. A positive series in terms of results, of course, but still worrying in terms of play. The Auxerre players had opportunities in the final moments to equalize and send both teams to the penalty shoot-out (the Coupe de la Ligue rules are such that extra time is replaced directly with a penalty shoot-out).
A reshuffled team
Forced to compose his team with many absentees due to injuries (P. Lees-Melou, M. Le Bihan, Y. Atal) and suspended players (Dante and M. Balotelli), Patrick Vieira fielded a reshuffled eleven. Remi Walter, Racine Coly, Bassem Srarfi, and Myziane Maolida joined the team. Leading the attack, Allan Saint Maximin was replaced at halftime by Ignatius Ganago, who got some playing time. A certain turnover that impacted the Nice gameplay. The glaring lack of understanding among the players was obvious, causing numerous missed passes and several fouls. Auxerre, also playing with a slightly reshuffled team, rarely left their camp and closed off the game somewhat.
A lackluster match despite the five goals
The locals led by two goals at halftime (2-0) thanks to M. Maolida’s first goal in a Gym jersey and a nice strike by R. Walter, who was aided by the keeper just before the break. Shortly after the start of the second half, Auxerre capitalized on a poor clearance to narrow the gap (2-1). This goal brought the visitors back into the game and put pressure on the locals. It took R. Walter’s second goal from a penalty to give some breathing room. Missed. Two minutes later, the Abbé-Deschamps residents fooled the Azurean goalkeeper W. Benitez with a low shot and remained within striking distance of Nice. Despite some opportunities in the last five minutes, Pablo Correa’s men did not catch up (3-2 defeat).
Although there were 5 goals seen at the Allianz Riviera (which is rare), the supporters present at the stadium have reasons to be worried. The offensive performance of both teams was clearly lacking. Apart from the goals, no clear chances. Both defensive blocks were very deep, not allowing the attackers to express themselves. As proof, four of the evening’s goals were scored due to opponent errors. Yet again, defensive scares from the Gym. A recurring issue that needs to be addressed quickly if the club wants to continue its series of two consecutive victories. Fortunately, Patrick Vieira’s men welcome Amiens on Saturday aiming for three wins in a row.
Patrick Vieira’s reaction: “There was a bit of relief at the final whistle. We did the hardest part in the first half with those two goals. Unfortunately, as often, there was a little lapse. Auxerre took advantage of it, and we started to retreat. We put ourselves in danger. This match wasn’t our best, but in the Cup, you have to know how to win them. We maintain our winning dynamic.”
Christophe Jallet’s reaction: “It’s a good evening, even though it was complicated in the second half. We managed to be effective on counter-attacks. Not having scored a goal yet was on my mind a little, but scoring isn’t an end in itself. We’re still conceding goals due to a lack of concentration. We are going to work. It was important to win at home. We hope to keep the momentum against Amiens on Saturday.”
Pierre Ferrand
