Here is the translation of the text from French to English:
This Sunday, OGC Nice hosted AS Monaco, as part of the 21st day of Ligue 1. Overall disappointing, the show was not up to expectations between two struggling teams. No winner in the Côte d’Azur derby (0-0)
A tense derby for OGC Nice, with promises but many disappointments, this afternoon at the Allianz Riviera! Two poorly ranked teams, lacking confidence and delivering disappointing performances lately, and this was evident from the kickoff of this Côte d’Azur derby. With eagerness and determination, the Gym started well and thought they would get a penalty. Less than five minutes in, Mr. Bastien, the referee of the match, blew the whistle after an obvious handball by Kehrer in the Monegasque penalty area. But the official of this match eventually reversed his decision, after a call from the VAR. The judgment was harsh for the Aiglons, who had been penalized for a similar handball last weekend, against Brest. This situation almost became the turning point of the match.
Against a team that offered very little, Claude Puel’s men dominated the proceedings. But OGC Nice was unable to capitalize on this during their strong period. Gradually, the contests became balanced, the pace dropped, and the match struggled to become exciting. This derby lacked chances, opportunities, and sparks.
Penalty denied for OGC Nice
There was nothing left but to hope the second half would be more lively. Spoiler alert: it never happened. Neither Nice nor Monaco offered anything interesting to secure the three points in this derby. Both teams — struggling with confidence and results — became increasingly cautious as time ticked away.
Despite their efforts, OGC Nice tried to accelerate in the final moments of the match. Tom Louchet’s teammates missed their chance, like this incredible opportunity afforded by a poor exit from the opposing goalkeeper, leaving Diop with a possibility. Yet, the Aiglons’ attacking midfielder saw his shot cleared by an opposing defender right in front of the goal line. Unsurprisingly, the score did not change, and the Gym recorded a second consecutive draw in Ligue 1. After slight improvement, the Aiglons are not advancing in the rankings. While the relegation zone drifts further away, there won’t be much at stake in terms of sports for the end of the season, on the Nice side.
The Aiglons will be back next Sunday, February 15, with another Ligue 1 match. The Gym will play away at Olympique Lyonnais. The match will kick off at 8:45 PM at Parc OL.
