Three days before the gala match between OGC Nice and FC Barcelona (Saturday 8:45 PM at Allianz Riviera), Eric Bauthéac and Charly Loubet presented the jersey that the Aiglons will wear. It is a friendly match that will remind the old-timers of the UEFA Cup victory on September 19, 1973 (editor’s note, a 3-0 victory at Stade du Ray).
Over 40 years apart but the same dream: to play against the great FC Barcelona. On September 19, 1973, at Stade du Ray, Charly Loubet and his teammates achieved one of the greatest feats in OGC Nice’s history, beating FC Barcelona. In the first leg of the UEFA Cup round of 32, Nice won 3-0 (editor’s note, two goals by Marc Molitor and one by Dick van Dijk) before losing 2-0 in Catalonia, resulting in their qualification.
“At the time, we were a great team and had a fantastic match at Ray. In the return leg, we struggled a lot but in the end, it was a beautiful qualification against a great club,” recalls Charly Loubet, still moved.
This Saturday evening, it’s not a European encounter awaiting Claude Puel’s men but a prestigious friendly match. Three days before the event, a delightful exchange took place in the club shop at Place Massena. On one side, the new generation represented by Eric Bauthéac, and on the other, Charly Loubet, also a left winger, who triumphed over FC Barcelona in 1973. A meeting between two number 11s to present the special jersey that Nice players will wear on Saturday evening.
“When you see the OGC Nice-FC Barcelona inscription, it warms the heart. It’s a dream for the entire squad, the club, and not to forget the supporters, to play against such a team,” smiles Eric Bauthéac.
After the jersey presentation, it was time for a signing session. From 3 PM, a hundred people gathered in the shop to get an autograph from the two players on a jersey, a ball, or just a card. Everyone shared a few words of encouragement with Eric Bauthéac and his teammates for Saturday’s match. “The score will be anecdotal. We need to enjoy ourselves and please our supporters who deserve it,” concluded Nice’s left winger.
Photo credit: OGC Nice, www.ogcnice.com
