It had been 35 years since the eaglets last won on Girondin soil, and it came at just the right time as the Niçois secured a precious away victory, allowing them to prepare well for another decisive match against an opponent also fighting for its survival, Nancy.
It’s safe to say that hopes were slim for this trip to the Gironde, especially as, within the first few minutes of the game, Eric Mouloungui had to leave his teammates following a collision with Planus early in the match. The first quarter-hour was quite balanced, and it was even the Azuréens who distinguished themselves with Coulibaly, who, with a great strike, posed the first threat to Carasso. The Niçois pushed forward and inevitably, following a brilliant backheel from Clerc to Mounier, who was brought down in the box, there was an indisputable penalty converted by Monzon and OGC Nice logically led 1-0.
Far from being satisfied with that, Marsiglia’s men played their cards well and continued to be dangerous with Coulibaly and Mounier, who, however, could not break through the vigilance of the Bordeaux defense. As the first half was drawing to a close, captain Didier Digard superbly launched Guié-Guié, who with a bit of luck, again beat the Girondin goalkeeper, bringing the score to two-nil before the whistle, with Mr. Chapron sending the 22 players back to the locker room.
The second half was expected to be when Bordeaux would wake up, but the Niçois were well grouped in defense. However, continuing to push and following a highly debatable free-kick, Planus, well assisted by Ciani, tapped the ball into the empty net to give his team a glimmer of hope with about twenty minutes remaining. Repeated but disorganized assaults by the Bordeaux players were countered by a serious and effective vigilance from the eaglets. It was attack-defense late into the game, although the Niçois could even have extended their lead through Diabaté in the final seconds.
The Niçois defense bent but never broke again, and it’s no surprise the eaglets could express their joy with this first away victory which, beyond the three valuable points gained, might well be the benchmark match Marsiglia’s men needed to finally lift themselves out of the relegation zone and more broadly in the championship.
The next rendezvous is set for next weekend against Nancy, in a match that will be worth its weight in points for both teams. Woe to the vanquished!
Photo credit: www.ogcnice.com
