After an intense and fast-paced match, the Gym overturned Marseille and claimed the Mediterranean derby, galvanized by the redemption of Mario Balotelli.
He was particularly anticipated. Upon his entrance onto the field for warm-up, a shiver ran through the entire stadium: Mario Balotelli was taking his first steps on the Allianz Riviera pitch. Presented as a star and cheered by the crowd, the Italian international offered a dream night to all the fans who came to see the enfant terrible of Italian football.
Two goals, gameplay, desire, style, and a constant presence at the forefront of Nice’s attack, despite obvious fatigue towards the end of the match. And always with a big heart.
Dante’s Inferno
It took him only seven minutes. In an exceptional atmosphere, the Nice team started timidly. Then Mika Seri was pushed in the box by William Vainqueur. Penalty. All eyes turned to Mario Balotelli. He didn’t hesitate and took the ball. Bafétimbi Gomis tried to intimidate him, shouted, pushed him. Super Mario didn’t flinch and stared back. A few seconds later, he struck his shot, and the Allianz Riviera was shaken. Seven minutes into the game, and already a goal from Mario Balotelli. What more could you ask for? A final glance towards Gomis, and it’s time to refocus on the game.
However, just another seven minutes, and it’s Florian Thauvin, served behind the Nice defense, who beat Cardinale to equalize. The back three stumbled, tripping over themselves. Dante, another star recruit for the Gym, seemed lost at times. Caught off guard behind him, he narrowly avoided punishment several times, but Cardinale held the fort (40th minute). Marseille’s high pressing stifled Nice, who struggled to develop their game. But they still managed to create chances. Pléa poorly connected a ball pushed back by Pelé (17th minute), Balotelli on a direct free kick (27th minute), or even Super Mario in a collective play with Pléa (38th minute), everything aimed to crack Marseille. But the Phoceans held their ground.
In the second half, Marseille appeared more dangerous: Gomis (47th, 54th minute) twice nearly deceived Cardinale. On Nice’s side, the willing and present Pléa missed the target (59th minute), as did Malang Sarr, who missed his attempt after Pelé’s disastrous exit (67th minute).
But the turning point of the match came from Vincent Koziello, who committed a largely avoidable foul in the area and offered a penalty to OM. Bafétimbi had no trouble taking the opportunity and gave the Olympians the lead (72nd minute). The game seemed settled, but that’s when Lucien Favre chose to reshuffle his team.
Belhanda’s Club
Valentin Eysseric and Younès Belhanda replaced Alassane Pléa and Dalbert. The 3-5-2 gave way to a more classic 4-3-3. Three minutes later, the change was visible: Ricardo rushed down the right side and crossed the ball onto Balotelli’s head, who beat Pelé with a header (78th minute). 2-2, and ten minutes to play.
Belhanda quickly stood out with quick, short passes, and especially some back-heel flicks that thrilled the electrified Allianz Riviera crowd. Eysseric almost won another penalty in the 80th minute, but it was another man who would free the Gym.
Wylan Cyprien, who delivered an excellent match, received a ball from Belhanda at 30 meters. He advanced and from five meters further, unleashed a floating shot that completely surprised Yohann Pelé. The Marseille goalkeeper stumbled, upper corner, and the Aiglons took the lead with less than five minutes to go (88th minute). The stadium exploded, the Nice crowd burst with joy, and for good reason: Nice is co-leader of Ligue 1 with 10 points, just like Monaco. Also, Nice is the only team still unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season, alongside Monaco and Guingamp.
At the end of a spectacular match and with incredible spirit, the Gym delights and remains undefeated this season. As for Mario Balotelli, he enjoyed a dream night. However, quick waking is needed as on Thursday, Europe and Schalke 04 will be on the Allianz Riviera pitch.
The Stat: Balotelli, the tradition continues!
It took only seven minutes for Super Mario to win over the Nice crowd. By scoring in his first match, the Italian continued an old habit: he has always scored at his debuts with a team: Inter Milan, Manchester City, and AC Milan.
Balotelli even treated himself to a second goal. It’s the first time since December 7, 2013 (with AC Milan at Livorno). And more importantly, it’s as many goals in one match as in two years. The hour of redemption has struck.
Lucien Favre’s Reaction:
“It’s the kind of match that is tough for the coaches too. For the public as well, I imagine. There were opportunities on both sides. Marseille was more dangerous than us, they have a huge impact up front. Ball at feet in impact is very strong, we saw it to our detriment. They had too many opportunities for my liking. A match is decided by little details. Conceding the 2-1 goal isn’t illogical, but the team reacted well and showed character. They didn’t give up, they continued to play, they wanted at least to equalize. We score that magnificent goal with Ricardo’s assist and Mario Balotelli’s header. At 2-2, choices had to be made, but we felt the team wanted even more. We had a bit of luck with that 3-2 goal, but to have luck, you need to try… In the end, it’s all beautiful.”
Yoan Cardinale’s Reaction:
“Balotelli came here for that, to score and relaunch himself. Starting with a double in a heated derby like that, we’re happy for him. We congratulated him, and he congratulated us. It’s not only Mario Balotelli’s victory but that of an entire team. He is at ease, you can tell. We tease him, he teases us. But it’s like this with all the new signings, not just him. It’s all positive for the team. We try to integrate all the players well.”
Jean-Pierre Rivère’s Reaction:
“It was a very lively match, on both sides, commented the Gym president. Tonight, luck was with us, I think we deserved to win. We are very happy to have taken the 3 points, but we shouldn’t get carried away, there is still a lot of work to be done. The team is still in a trial phase and needs time. Mario Balotelli? I’m very happy for him because he’s a very endearing guy, far from the image he might give. Since his arrival, he has shown a lot of humility and behaved remarkably with his teammates. His two goals are a nice reward for him. This is just the beginning, we have to keep working. Nothing has been achieved yet, far from it. We should also note the very beautiful third goal scored by Cyprien.”
