After a challenging start to the season, Les Aiglons secured a foundational victory in Lyon (0-1) thanks to a reshuffled team and especially a tremendous last defense.
After weeks of doubts, questions, rumors, affirmations, and then denials, OGC Nice proudly announced last week that Mario Balotelli would remain in Nice for a third consecutive season.
Super Mario thus returns under the Gym’s jersey at the Groupama Stadium, with the same mission as the eponymous plumber in “Super Mario 3”: to save his team and avoid another rout.
To this end, Patrick Vieira decided to line him up at the front, with Allan Saint-Maximin at his side. Behind, an astonishing 5-3-2 formation, with a trio composed of Cyprien, Tamèze, and Lees-Melou, and above all a solid defense based on Hérelle, Dante, and Malang Sarr. On the sides, Olivier Boscagli and Christophe Jallet, just back from injury, completed the defensive axis.
Stationed in goal, Walter Benitez entered a match where he would become the hero with two saves in the first 7 minutes. Then, the expected effect desired by the Nice coach began to manifest. For the first 45 minutes, Les Aiglons multiplied joint efforts, and the Jallet – Hérelle and Sarr – Boscagli pairs locked down the lanes, while the midfielders ensured greater density at the core of the play. The result? The Gym struggled in the first half-hour but resisted with generosity and diligence. A grounded effort by Tousart grazed Benitez’s post (13’), the Argentine goalkeeper caught a shot from Memphis (22’), and the Red and Black gradually began to loosen the grip, to play, to exchange short passes, benefitting from Bosca’s foot, Allan’s speed, and Mario’s anchor point, back in the starting lineup after serving a three-match suspension…
Having suffered, they then drew their swords, ready to strike. The Italian buffalo’s volley, taken in one motion on a cross from Boscagli (22’), was a first warning (without consequence as it was boxed by Lopes and ultimately flagged offside). The last quarter-hour of the first half followed suit, with Dante’s teammates reclaiming possession and only faltering on a free kick conceded (for a questionable foul) by Fékir and ultimately smashed into the wall by the world champion.
Before heading into the locker room, the Gym secured numerous set pieces: which did not pose much threat but augured well. Bosca’ attempted a long-range shot which flirted with the bar, escorting halftime with a good dose of hope.
BENITEZ IN A STATE OF GRACE
The hope quickly strengthened and eventually materialized. In two stages. First, as soon as they returned to the field, Super Mario crafted a signature move to launch Saint-Maximin towards the goal. The cheetah left Denayer trailing, sprinted, nudged the ball… but struck Lopes’ crossbar (48’).
Three minutes later, following a Lyonnais strike, the Niçois were finally rewarded for their ideas. On a short corner, “ASM” challenged and eliminated two opponents, then struck hard. His attempt was deflected by Marcelo’s head and landed in the net (1-0, 51’).
Afterward, a storm descended upon the Nice goal. The group stood firm and Benitez unmistakably raised his game. In a chaotic sequence, Fékir struck the post before Ndombélé missed the frame (57’). Then Memphis’ free kick sailed into the air, Fékir’s half-volley fell on the increasingly formidable former Quilmes player (72’). Les Gones created numerous chances… and Benitez, once again, ultimately won the match with an extraordinary double save: first by hand on a Ndombélé header, then by foot on a Fékir shot (85’).
Lyon continued to press, as they had at the start, and the Gym resisted, as they had at the start. At the end of a magnificent match, Nice secured their first victory of the season.
PATRICK VIEIRA’S REACTION
“It is never easy to come to Lyon. We fought hard; we came intending to defend well while maintaining the playing philosophy that is important to us. We waited for the right moment to score this goal. A draw would have been more logical for Lyon, as they had many chances, but luck was with us tonight and returning to Nice with the three points is good for morale. We lacked a bit of luck, of confidence, to have a key match. We had it tonight. The players showed that there is quality. There was also solidarity. Now we must continue to work. We knew we would go through tough times tonight. What matters is that we held our ground in our weak moments. We knew that with Allan and Mario upfront, we would create situations. Playing with five at the back allowed us to defend two against one on the sides. We’ve shown great solidarity.”
ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN’S REACTION
“The previous results were not very favorable, so tonight we were keen to get the 3 points. We hadn’t had much luck before; it turned around, it’s pure happiness, especially before the break, we are super happy, and we really hope this bodes well for the future.”
WALTER BENITEZ’S REACTION
“We work hard, and we had to give it our all, even more than in previous matches. We knew it would be a very complicated game here in Lyon, but we needed the points. We played a good match.”
