The match between Nice and Monaco was expected to be unbalanced considering the standings and the statistics of the two teams. In the end, it came down to very little. One or two blocked shots for Frédéric Antonetti’s men. Two opportunities for Ricardo’s team. And above all, a heavy silence, that of the BSN members. The Nice supporters were protesting against the stadium bans pronounced against eighty of them. They went on a singing strike and left a vacant square in the middle of the stand to mark their disagreement clearly. This lack of atmosphere in the popular section allowed the Monégasques to be heard at the Ray stadium. It’s quite ironic knowing that 10,000 people from Nice travel each year to Louis II and prevent the locals from showing their presence.
As for the field, it was not exceptional either. Nice has now gone six matches without a win at their home, with the last victory dating back to January 20th against Nancy (1-0). In the first half, although Olivier Echouafni’s teammates manage to keep the ball and dominate the field, they cannot find a way through Monaco’s defense. They also face a setback early in the match with the injury of Gérald Cid, the central defender having to leave his teammates in the tenth minute.
During the first forty-five minutes, the Nice players were strong in the duels but had to succumb to a counter-attack. Nêne perfectly serves Camel Meriem in depth, who does not hesitate to adjust Hugo Lloris and thus opens the scoring (36th minute). Shortly before the break, another injury thwarts Frédéric Antonetti’s plans as Baky Koné has to go off. The Ivorian striker was hurt in the groin area while attempting a shot. He is replaced after the break by Habib Bamogo.
The second half is similar to the first, with even more wastefulness in Nice’s play. The controls become more sloppy, the passes less precise. The red and black team cannot create any clear opportunities, apart from a left-foot shot from David Hellebuyck and an incursion by Cyril Rool whose shot is blocked by a Monacan foot. Tempers begin to flare, Ricardo’s men accumulate fouls, one of which earns Adriano a second yellow card resulting in expulsion (83rd minute). This does not discourage Roma’s teammates who manage to score a second goal by Almiron (90th minute) a few seconds before Pokrivac commits a real assault on Habib Bamogo. The Croatian is logically expelled. Mr. Lannoy plays the free kick and then ends the match.
A tumultuous game (10 yellow cards, two reds) which allows AS Monaco to save its spot in Ligue 1 while OGC Nice sees its European dreams diminish. Nevertheless, Frédéric Antonetti’s players must be strong to not sink to the bottom of the standings after such a great season. And that requires a result next Saturday at the Stade Chaban-Delmas against Bordeaux.
