The Europa League resumes tomorrow night (9 PM). To start this new European campaign, OGC Nice has drawn Real Sociedad. An interesting clash is expected.
Just before returning to the intensity of European matches, Nice reassured themselves with an impressive victory (8-0) against Saint-Étienne. However, the Aiglons will still have to cope without several key players like Morgan Sanson, Gaëtan Laborde, and Terem Moffi, all absent for this match. There is still uncertainty regarding Mohamed-Ali Cho, who is injured behind the heel. Yet, his inclusion in the squad should not be in doubt.
As for Real Sociedad, they are going through a tough period in La Liga. After an impressive 2023-2024 season, the Basques have secured only one victory in their last ten matches across all competitions. With a struggling attack (two goals in six games), Nice must believe in their chances tomorrow night at the Allianz Riviera. Despite this, their defense remains relatively solid, which suggests a very tight match.
Franck Haise: “We need to be at our best level”
Absent from the European campaign last year, Nice must get back up to speed to hope for a successful run in this new format. Franck Haise was well aware of this during the press conference: “This match is somewhat a continuation of our first weeks. We know that in a different competition, we will need to be consistent and even better, because Real Sociedad, even if they might seem to be struggling, they remain a very strong team. I know it will be difficult tomorrow night.”
This encounter already promises to be crucial against one of the favorites. But the coach seems to have prepared his players well for what awaits them on the field: “What matters most is us, being at our best level. If the opponents are stronger, they have the right to beat us. But what counts is that we are at our best level, or close to it at least.”
Probable Line-ups:
Nice: Marcin Bulka (G), Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mattéo Bombito, Dante (C), Jonathan Clauss, Pablo Rosario, Tanguy Ndombele, Melvin Bard, Badredine Bouanani, Evann Guessand, Youssoufa Moukoko.
Real Sociedad: Álex Remiro (G), Igor Zubeldia (C), Nayef Aguerd, Sergio Gomez, Jon Aramburu, Martín Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo, Luka Sucic, Benat Turrientes, Umar Sadiq, Mikel Oyarzabal.
