Terrible disillusion at Ray. Nice wins 1 to 0 against Apollon Limassol but is eliminated on the aggregate of the two matches (2 to 0 defeat in the first leg). The Aiglons tried everything, but the lack of realism and especially the poor performance in the first leg crushed the hopes of advancing to the Europa League group stage.
Yet, everything started perfectly. In a Ray stadium heated to a boiling point for the penultimate match of its history, Dario Cvitanich quickly opened the score in the 3rd minute. On a poorly handled ball by the Cypriot defense, the little Argentine sneaks in and scores a goal that frees the entire stadium.
At this moment, the scenario is perfect. OGC Nice has the entire match to compound the lead and secure its qualification. But the reality turns out to be more complicated. Despite numerous attacks and chances, Claude Puel’s men hit a wall in the form of the goalkeeper, the post, or simply lacked precision in front of the goal.
Following his goal, Civitanich had two opportunities to extend the lead with a header that went just wide and a volley from outside the box, but without success. Later, Eysseric also missed his chance by scuffing his shot in a one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper. He even hit the post in the second half with a fine shot deflected by the Cypriot goalkeeper Bruno Vale.
Midway through the second half, the ex-Monaco player, served by a stellar Namphalys Mendy, completely botched his shot from the penalty spot. It was symbolic of a night where the Aiglons tried everything but had no success. The Cypriots, for their part, merely endured, rarely showing danger in their few opportunities. Their ability to break up the game in all circumstances with simulations or unsportsmanlike fouls was especially noticeable. Annoyed by this behavior, Mendy and Fred Giora, Claude Puel’s assistant, let their frustration boil over during multiple scuffles between the two teams.
In the game, forward Roberto Garcia Cabello nevertheless caused a lot of trouble for a still shaky Nice defense by winning almost all aerial balls with his height and good ball protection. The lone Cypriot opportunity came from a long-range free-kick by Argentine Sangoy, deflected into a corner by Ospina.
It’s fair to say that Nice will have regrets given the weak display from Apollon Limassol. The Ray’s crowd, however, will not regret their performance. With a popular stand acting as a true lung, the Ray hadn’t experienced such an atmosphere for years. But from this match, the supporters will only remember the elimination, 16 years after the last participation in the European Cup. Hopefully, Nice fans won’t have to wait so long to savor the sweet scent of European competitions again.
A glimmer of hope, however, seems to persist since Fenerbahรงe’s replacement, excluded from all European competitions, will be drawn today from the teams defeated in the Europa League play-off return leg on Thursday night. The lucky chosen will participate in the group stage of this competition, announced UEFA yesterday in a statement. This draw will take place in Monaco, on Friday, August 30 at 9 a.m. (CET), and will be available to follow live on UEFA.com.
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