Lacking inspiration, OGC Nice was logically defeated on the pitch of Gazélec Ajaccio (3-1) last night. After four consecutive wins in the championship, Nice comes to a sudden halt and suffers its first away defeat of the season.
Less desire, less flair, less play; less of everything. Flamboyant in recent weeks with 17 goals scored in their last four outings, Nice showed a much less attractive side yesterday in Ajaccio. The lack of creativity and behavior of the Eaglets recalled the Guingamp match and a 1-0 defeat at home. This time, Nice conceded three goals and scored only one. This was the result of a well-rewarded offensive will from Gazélec in the first half.
The thick fog created by Ajaccio’s smoke bombs hadn’t yet dissipated when Grégory Pujol opened the scoring. In the very first minute of play, the Gazélec forward controlled with a header on the right side of the area and delivered a sumptuous cross-volley. It was the 73rd goal in Ligue 1 for the second-best active scorer in the championship.
Balanced and solid in a 4-4-2 diamond mirrored on the Nice team, the Ajaccio players continued to pressure the Azur defense. But, as has been the case since the start of the season, mistakes are unforgiving.
An anecdotal Nice comeback
A right-side overlap and the Ajaccio defense is unsettled. Ben Arfa receives the ball on the left and lays it off to Pereira. The Portuguese full-back crosses powerfully in front of the goal. Filippi, the emblematic captain of Gazélec, deflects it into his own net (10th minute). Misfortune strikes again in Mezzavia.
But the Corsicans do not give up. Following the equalizer and after a corner cleared by Bodmer, Martinez sends a missile onto the corner of Cardinale’s goal. Not always technically impeccable, Thierry Laurey’s men make up for it with enormous desire, that famous extra spirit.
Filippi, again, even redeems himself 20 minutes after his blunder. On a corner perfectly delivered by Djokovic, he rises above everyone and heads it across. The ball ends up in the far corner, giving a fairly logical lead to Gazélec. Nice remains calm and unfazed. Almost docile.
The break and not much more
Trailing away is not a problem for Gym. This season, Puel’s team has always managed to respond with play to difficult situations. Except this time, the accelerator seems stuck, and chances are not forthcoming. Worse still, just before the break, Nice conceded a third goal.
In the 43rd minute, Gazélec’s determination again makes the difference. Cardinale, not having a great match, awkwardly saves a shot from Youga. Djokovic follows up and secures the lead for his team (yes, it’s all football). The end of the first half arrives, and with it, the end of the spectacle.
Fired up offensively in the first act, the Corsicans then channel all their energy into maintaining discipline to hold their lead. Less entertaining than in the previous 45 minutes, Gazélec show solidity in the second half. Meanwhile, Nice definitely doesn’t have the keys, exemplified by Koziello’s lack of influence and his substitution at the hour mark.
Sent off at the very end of the match for a reckless tackle, Lemoigne left his team with ten men. But the game was already won for Gazélec, claiming their first historic victory in the elite. A success that allows the Corsicans to leave the bottom position. What’s next? With this mindset, anything is possible.
Photo credit and more information on www.ogcnice.com
