Facing a ghostly Rennes team, OGC Nice had no difficulty in asserting their dominance yesterday at the Stade du Ray (2-0). The Eagles made the difference thanks to their Argentine defenders, Monzon and Civelli.
There are nights like this one that you wish to forget quickly. For his return to the Coast, Rennes coach Frédéric Antonetti was spoiled. Like the Corsican, Nice striker Xavier Pentecôte (torn cruciate ligaments) saw his evening turn into a nightmare yesterday.
But it takes more to destabilize the Eagles. Boosted by an excellent Anthony Mounier, the Azuréens dominated against a sleeping Rennes team.
Pushed back to their goal, the Bretons committed fouls. Costil hooks Dja Dje-Dje and concedes a penalty (15th minute). A golden opportunity for Fabian Monzon, a master marksman in the field, who wrong-foots the former Caen goalkeeper.
As a result of the Azuréens’ domination: the Bretons had to wait until the 30th minute to finally penetrate the opposing half. But they lack precision, like the Colombian, Victor Hugo Montaño.
Civelli, redemption
This incursion will have no follow-up since René Marsiglia’s men attack again and again. And they augment the score, from a corner by Fabrice Abriel, thanks to Renato Civelli, whose header is too powerful for Jonathan Pitroipa, poorly positioned on his line.
A kind of redemption for the Argentine defender, back from suspension. Yesterday, the former Marseille player showed himself to be imperial in the air.
Overwhelmed, the Rennes players make mistakes. At the start of the second half, Breton defender John Boye is (harshly) sent off by referee Clément Turpin. A new turning point in the match? Not at all! Against all odds, the Nice players prefer to manage their lead.
The quality of play diminishes and Guié-Guié’s teammates lack precision to kill the game. No matter, the result and the manner of play are satisfactory. This victory (2-0) is the logical continuation of the progress observed in Lorient (0-1).
