It is Paul Le Guen’s men who spring into action with a Ceara attempt that forces Lloris to deflect the ball into a corner. The ball moves well and the breakthrough was not long in coming for the red and blacks with a precise cross from Hellebuyck finding Laslandes, who, with a beautiful diving header, sends the ball to the back of the net leaving no chance for Landreau, who was a bit too short. Nice leads 1-0, and this is justified by the well-organized play of the “Eaglets,” who dazzle the Parisian defense with a lively Koné. On the Parisian side, Rothen is in great form, and his always precise crosses are unfortunately not well utilized by the capital’s front line.
The ball possession is quite balanced at the half-hour mark with clear actions on both sides, providing an enjoyable show for the large public at the Ray stadium, which is starting to count the minutes that bring them closer to the halftime break. However, Paris is not dead and proof comes in the person of N’Gog, who, with a right-footed volley, targets Lloris to narrow the gap in a stadium suddenly silent. Everything was to be done again, especially as the Parisians were launching an even more intense assault on the Nice goals. It is precisely on one of these attacks, during which Rothen has the ball stolen, that Yepes and his partner Ceara see Koné racing away, well served by Echouafni, to strike Landreau at point-blank range, bringing back the voice and color to the stands. OGC Nice takes the lead again, and halftime arrives with this score that pleases Antonetti’s commando.
The second half starts like the first, with pressure from Nice on Landreau’s goal, once again uncertain on a wayward clearance but no Nice player was there to send the ball into the empty net. Coaching changes happen with the entries of Jeunechamp, Diakité, and Abardonado for Nice, and Pauleta, Luyindula, and Digard for Paris, but the score remains unchanged. Lloris once again showcases his talent on a free-kick that part of the stadium already saw going in, and a goal is even disallowed for Paris due to offside. Another fine save by the Nice goalkeeper on a Pauleta attempt allows Nice spectators to express their joy.
In one weekend, Nice has obtained a new tramway, a victory over Paris Saint Germain, and an honorable fifth place in the rankings. What more could one ask for?
