In a very open match where each team managed to put the opposing defense in danger, Nice and PSG ended in a goalless draw, 0-0, for the 23rd day of Ligue 1.
Nice put in a fine performance yesterday at the Stade du Ray, managing to hold the leader of the French championship. René Marsiglia’s players put on a very good performance, and the goalless draw (0-0) is quite logical. Even though it doesn’t help the Azuréens much in terms of points, this little point does wonders for the morale of Anthony Mounier’s teammates and could be very valuable at the end of the championship. To start the match, the Nice coach decided to field captain Didier Digard, just back from injury, and Eric Mouloungui, who returned last Thursday from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Digard as a Metronome, Sirigu Impeccable
And the least that can be said is that both players were unstoppable during the match. Special mention to the former Paris player who delivered a real “battle” in midfield alongside Kevin Anin. The ex-Middlesbrough player produced a flawless performance, recovering countless balls. He was simply the best Nice player, if not the man of the match.
Eric Mouloungui was also one of the key players in the Azuréen coach’s setup. Although he could have scored twice, the Gabonese mainly came up against a very good Sirigu, who made a magnificent save in the 41st minute. The Parisian goalkeeper then shone against Fabrice Abriel (73rd minute), who unleashed a powerful low shot from the left side. David Ospina also perfectly managed the few Parisian offensives, which were poorly executed by a very scrappy Parisian attack and an invisible Kevin Gameiro, who was replaced by Guillaume Hoarau an hour into the game. The ex-Le Havre player was much more dangerous, particularly with a header in the 77th minute and a superb cross from Maxwell.
OGC Nice will travel to Dijon in the next round, another direct opponent for survival, hoping to secure their first away victory of the season. PSG, who lead with a small one-point advantage over Montpellier, will host René Girard’s team for what promises to be the major clash of this 24th day of Ligue 1.
