After a draw in Switzerland last week, OGC Nice was hosting FC Basel this Thursday at the Allianz Riviera for a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals.
This Thursday, April 20, a page of modern history for OGC Nice was written. 63 years after its last European quarter-final against Real Madrid, the club from the French Riviera, the last French representative in the European Cup, had the chance to shine on the European stage.
Despite recent disappointing results and the tense context related to the Galtier controversy, the Gym and Didier Digard approached the match with optimism, treating it as a true celebration in a sold-out Allianz Riviera. Unfortunately, joy gave way to sadness and a strong sense of disappointment.
Yet, the match started well. From the opening minutes, the Nice team launched an assault on the Swiss goal. Served from behind by Moffi, Boudaoui perfectly finished with his right foot in the 6th minute, but his goal was ultimately disallowed for offside. Despite this annulled goal, OGC Nice did not lower its intensity, and shortly after, Laborde, set up by Ramsey, beat Hitz with a clean strike (1-0, 9th minute). In control, Nice managed its lead and went into halftime ahead.
Back from the locker room, the Gym maintained the pressure and remained in control of the game. Pulled down by Pelmard, Moffi should have been awarded a penalty, but after a VAR intervention, the referee did not award it (58th minute). With less than 5 minutes remaining in the match, it seemed the Gym was set to join Fiorentina in the semi-finals, but then came Jean-Kevin Augustin. The French striker, trained at PSG, beat Schmeichel with a powerful right-footed shot (1-1, 86th minute). This late goal sent both teams into extra time.
Having been equalized while dominating the play, the Eagles clearly collapsed in the remainder of the match. From a cross by Males, Kasim Adams gave Basel the lead and turned the game on its head (1-2, 98th minute). Although Brahimi hit the crossbar with a stunning free-kick (108th minute), the Eagles ultimately could not make up their deficit.
The Gym’s European journey ended with a defeat that leaves many regrets and great frustration. This third consecutive setback, following this painful elimination, clearly marks a new crisis in OGC Nice’s season. Nonetheless, it is this defeat that could have the most significant impacts on the club’s future and several players.
