This Wednesday, OGC Nice faced Benfica Lisbon in the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League. With more experience, the Portuguese took the advantage before the return leg (0-2).
Gala night for OGC Nice! This Wednesday evening, the Eagles hosted Benfica Lisbon in the first leg of this 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League, before the return match next Tuesday on Portuguese soil. An exciting double-header for Morgan Sanson’s teammates. The first step in a journey that could allow them to reach the Champions League mini-league phase.
For this clash, Franck Haise maintained a squad quite similar to the one aligned since the start of Nice’s preparation. This summer’s recruits, Yehvann Diouf, Juma Bah, and Isak Jansson notably began this match. In the process of leaving, Evann Guessand was not part of the red and black squad.
Nice rises to the occasion in this first act
Maximum tension, an exuberant crowd, everything was set for a great game of football. Initially shaken by the more experienced Portuguese at these high-level games, OGC Nice took a bit of time to get into their game. Little by little, the intentions of the red and black team improved.
Well-positioned defensively, the Eagles could rely on an impressive Yehvann Diouf on his line. Up front, the Gym created opportunities, such as the long-range shot by Hicham Boudaoui, just off target, or this attempt by Terem Moffi, which ended up in the small outside net of the opponent’s keeper. The only negative point of the first act for Nice was Morgan Sanson’s injury. Hurt in a contact, the midfielder had to make way for Tom Louchet.
Benfica Takes the Advantage
Apparently also injured, Dante had to be substituted at halftime. Without their captain, OGC Nice would have to perform an exploit in the second half. With the Brazilian’s absence, Nice’s defense lost solidity. Soon after, Franjo Ivanovic, free from marking, picked up a cross and perfectly placed it past Diouf to open the score (0-1, 52โฒ).
Soon enough, the red and black evening turned into a nightmare. Overwhelmed, Franck Haise’s men were outplayed in all areas of the game. Isak Jansson’s teammates were chasing the ball and unable to respond in this match. Worse still, Nice conceded another goal late in the game, scored by Florentino Luis (0-2, 88โฒ).
At the halfway point of this confrontation, Benfica Lisbon takes a significant advantage. Up against the wall, OGC Nice now has no choice. They must win on Portuguese soil with at least a two-goal difference to hope to reach the playoffs. Otherwise, the Champions League dream will end here. Kick-off of the match is on Tuesday, August 12, at 9 PM.
