The Stade du Ray will finally roar with European pleasure for the Europa League return match against Apollon Limassol. Having been defeated 2-0 in the first leg in a match where the Aiglons remained listless, the public is expecting a response from their protégés. At stake is qualification for the Europa League group stages and the rewards that come with it.
OGC Nice, struggling in the championship with only one victory, tackles this European Cup play-off as the first decisive match of their season. A match that could literally save a wavering start. Qualification for the European Cup, in any manner, would silence the critics and could truly launch the Aiglons’ season.
Financially, participation in the Europa League would also bring significant benefits. The Allianz Riviera could be filled to capacity at every match, and TV rights would bring a significant financial windfall to the red and black coffers. But above all, in the event of qualification, the group’s morale would skyrocket. Several players are below their level at the start of the season; this match is a real opportunity to rediscover their level from last season.
For this, Nice must win their battle against the Cypriots by more than two goals. In this type of knockout match, mentality plays a significant role in the final outcome. The Cypriots managed to excel at home in front of their crowd. It’s up to the Niçois to do the same in a sold-out Stade du Ray, where the team will play for the first time at the Ray this season. Facing Claude Puel’s men, Apollon Limassol and its cosmopolitan squad (no fewer than 11 nationalities) logically remain the favorite due to their 2-0 advantage from the first leg. The Cypriots should therefore protect their lead and counter-attack, with the Argentine double scorer from the first leg, Gaston Sangoy, at the finish.
In this scenario, the Gym must absolutely score quickly to cause doubt in their opponent and ignite the stands of Le Ray. Sixteen years after their last participation in a European cup, Nice cannot afford errors, and even if the final result does not measure up, the supporters expect a relentless fight from their players and total commitment. With these components and the best players on the field at the start, unlike the first leg, the defensive problems could disappear, and Le Ray could once again vibrate for the penultimate time before the move to an Allianz Riviera that everyone hopes will be European.
