A convincing victory for Claude Puel’s men against Valenciennes (5-0), resulting in a commendable fourth place in the rankings alongside Bordeaux, which will challenge the Eagles on Sunday, January 27th at the Ray, right after next Sunday’s trip to Lille.
One had to be brave to “climb” up to the Ray late yesterday afternoon to brave the rain and cold, quite unusual in recent weeks on the French Riviera’s capital. Nevertheless, the approximate 6,500 spectators who made the trip up the Niçoise hill had a keen eye and witnessed one of the Eagles’ best performances of the season. Certainly, the first twenty minutes were not the most thrilling, much like the first half which saw both teams neutralize each other in midfield. As usual this season, it was the Argentine Cvitanich who broke the deadlock and the stalemate, giving no chance to an until-then faultless Penneteau (1-0). The return to the locker rooms was therefore with a narrow yet deserved advantage of one goal in favor of the Eagles.
The second half started off thrillingly for the Niçois with an initial goal disallowed for Eysseric. Nonetheless, the goal-scoring machine was well underway for the red and black side and it was Renato Civelli who drove the nail further into Valenciennes’ defense (2-0). The Niçois did not let their visitors breathe, and Eysseric was ultimately rewarded for his many efforts with a superb strike beyond Penneteau’s reach (3-0). The nightmare for Sanchez’s men continued. Matters worsened as the Argentinian striker from OGC Nice scored again, registering his 14th goal across all competitions (4-0), thus moving to the second place in the goal scoring rankings. The game was set, but it seemed that this match was going to reward the hard workers of the Gym, and Didier Digard sealed the score in the final minutes of the game (5-0).
The festivities could commence, and the calculations could be made to the great pleasure of President Rivère, who saw his club climb to the fourth place of the championship, level on points with Bordeaux and six points away from their Marseille neighbors who fell to Sochaux (3-1). The upcoming week’s preparations will be simpler after such a match and all the better when considering the Eagles’ next two fixtures; a trip next Sunday to Lille before hosting Bordeaux the following Sunday at the Ray Stadium.
Is that a hint of Europe in the air?
