OGC Nice could only manage a draw (0-0) in Bordeaux. This was likely due to a lack of freshness among the Nice players.
Still no victories for the ‘Aiglons’ in February. After a defeat in Monaco and a draw last week against OM, the Nice team could only bring back a single point from the Matmut Atlantique.
Claude Puel decided to keep his faith in the same eleven as against the Marseille neighbors, with Jérémy Pied as left back, Ricardo Pereira as right back, and Mathieu Bodmer notably in the playmaker role.
Mathieu Bodmer, who, like the previous weekend, showcased all his skill and game intelligence in the first half, with one-touch passes and openings that only he knows how to execute.
On the Bordeaux side, Willy Sagnol opted for a flat 4-4-2 formation to try to counter the diamond 4-4-2 set by Claude Puel. But it was the Nice team that, as usual, controlled the ball. A rather balanced first half with one side, OGC Nice as ball masters, and on the other, the Girondins of Bordeaux counter-attacking, notably using the speed of their two wingers, Adam Ounas and Thomas Touré.
The Nice players showed a lot of assurance in the first 30 minutes. Two or three well-executed combinations could have made the difference, but the lack of freshness was felt in attack, especially with Alassane Pléa playing his second consecutive match after returning from injury. It was, however, from a set piece that Claude Puel’s men created their greatest chance, with a well-directed header by Paul Baysse, which was deftly saved by the Bordeaux goalkeeper.
It took until the final quarter-hour to see the Bordeaux team react in open play. They could have taken the lead just before the break if not for a superb clearance by Yoan Cardinale at the feet of the giant Cheick Diabaté. A tough end to the first half for Claude Puel and his team.
The Niçois stand firm
But upon returning from the locker rooms, nothing changed. The Bordeaux team started as they finished the first half and pressed the Nice team back into their own half. The biggest opportunity of the match came during this strong period for the locals. Following a misunderstanding between Baysse and Le Marchand, the ball fell to Diabaté’s feet. Unfortunately for the Malian, his shot flew over the Nice goal.
The ‘Aiglons’ stood firm and let the storm pass. Pléa, lacking rhythm, and Koziello, exhausted, respectively made way for Caddy and Walter at the hour mark. Two changes that coincided with a slight improvement for OGC Nice, which regained possession and control of the ball.
Not much more to chew on in terms of chances. Bordeaux could have been awarded a penalty at the very end of the match, following an unintentional handball by Nampalys Mendy.
OGC Nice thus secures a point for their first match at Matmut Atlantique and can thank their defense. Aside from Yoan Cardinale, who made several decisive saves, the performances of central defenders Maxime Le Marchand and Paul Baysse were notable. Despite a few missed clearances in the first half, the two strong players managed to stay solid enough to allow GYM to bring back a point from Bordeaux. A fairly logical result given the overall match and which allows OGC Nice to maintain a 4-point lead over their opponent of the evening.
After facing three European clubs (Monaco, Marseille, and Bordeaux), OGC Nice will now take on teams fighting to avoid relegation. Before going to Montpellier and hosting Gazélec Ajaccio, the Nice team will have the privilege of hosting twice: Bastia next Friday, and the league’s bottom team, Troyes. A good opportunity for the ‘Aiglons’ to soar once and for all.
