Nice delivered a fine performance last night, winning 2-0 on the 30th matchday on the pitch of Montpellier, a first since 1995, and securing a provisional third place in the standings.
An outstanding match from Cardinale in defense and Ben Arfa in attack was enough for the Eagles to soar once again to the top of the standings before hosting Ajaccio next Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Allianz Riviera.
With 47 points, OGC Nice now leads Olympique Lyonnais by two points and Stade Rennais by three, with these two teams facing off tonight at 9 p.m. in Brittany. Betters and Nice supporters would gladly check the box for a draw…
Largely dominated in the first half, Nice initially relied on the success and talent of Cardinale, its goalkeeper, who was decisive on several occasions against the many Montpellieran offensives, before making the difference on the counterattack after the break, thanks to Germain (62nd minute) for his tenth goal of the season, and finally by Pléa ideally served by Ben Arfa (76th minute).
Second defeat of the Hantz era for Montpellier, which is far from having secured its place in Ligue 1 with three points ahead of the relegation zone.
A week that will be prepared in serenity and good spirits for the Nice side before hosting their Corsican neighbors from Ajaccio, who defeated Caen last night and will certainly be looking to secure the necessary points at Nice to exit the danger zone.
Photo credit and more info on www.ogcnice.com
