They did it. As realistically as possible, OGC Nice won on Olympique de Marseille’s turf (0-1). A feat resembling a hold-up. Valentin Eysseric, with a masterful free kick, fired the Gym’s only shot. One of the two on-target strikes from the red and black side. A look back at the reasons behind this miracle.
At the kick-off of the club’s 2000th match in the elite, the team put together by Claude Puel did not look impressive. The last five winless matches still lingered in their minds. The first few minutes were difficult, but the Aiglons bent without breaking. A steadfast resistance until Eysseric’s precise kick eventually gave victory to the Aiglons.
Mentally stronger in this match, Nice cannot be entirely reassured by this success either. Still shaky in defense, OGC Nice could count on their opponent’s offensive weakness. A Marseille without its serial scorer, André Pierre Gignac. Without a foundation of play or a truly coherent organization for many months, OM depends on its individual talents. Tonight’s match is an example of that.
At the end of the game, Claude Puel seemed satisfied with his players’ performance, and in the end, only the result counts and can be considered a positive point. In these gloomy times for the club, style can easily be overlooked. Because apart from this goal, Nice showed absolutely nothing in this match. Claude Puel’s men executed the perfect heist. It’s the third time this season they’ve defeated their Phocean rival. Enough to cheer up red-and-black supporters who have been missing thrilling emotions this season.
With this success, Nice jumps in the rankings to 11th place, 12 points ahead of the relegation zone. Surprising for a team in great difficulty. Even more astonishing are these 5 victories against Lille and Marseille, considered top teams in the championship. A ray of sunshine amid a long descent into the abyss. Should we see an OGC Nice with two faces or simply the reflection of a mediocre Ligue 1? Probably a smart mix of both.
Part of the answer might well be found in the Gym’s next match against Bastia, next Saturday.
Photo credit and more info on www.ogcnice.com
