After a hard-fought match, Nice narrowly lost to Lyon (3-2). However, victories by Bordeaux, Rennes, and Saint-Étienne kept the Eagles out of Europe.
There was no miracle for Gym, condemned to achieve the exploit on Lyon’s pitch to hope to maintain their sixth spot in the standings and secure a Europa League play-off place.
Everything started well, though, with Pléa opening the score. He had no hesitation in scoring his 15th goal of the season in L1, finishing his impressive run with a one-touch strike that slipped between Gorgelin’s legs (1-0, 18th minute). It was a just reward for a textbook play, initiated by a low recovery, crafted by Super Mario, and finished by Pléa.
But as usual (see the stat), the Eagles weaken and lack mental toughness. Despite facing challenges, Nice headed to the locker room with the lead.
Upon returning from the locker room, Fékir received a ball with a bit of luck, crossed strongly in front of the goal, and Depay equalized (1-1, 48th minute), putting everything back to square one.
Despite falling behind, Gym gradually emerged but soon missed a huge opportunity. In the 60th minute, Balotelli, so consistent this season, found himself alone against Gorgelin, following a blocked shot from Pléa. Perhaps thinking he was offside, lacking certainty in composure, the giant sent his shot into the Rhone sky.
The thrill turned into despair shortly after when Depay fooled everyone, including Benitez, by striking a cunning, low free-kick that found the net (2-1, 65th minute).
Pléa, in a pivot role, thought he had equalized 10 minutes from the end, but the opposing goalkeeper stretched with devastating effectiveness (79th minute). On the following corner, the Niçois could not capitalize on a scramble in the area, and the season delivered its final verdict following a hat-trick by Memphis with a chipped finish (3-1, 86th minute).
Pléa’s double (3-2, 88th minute) allowed the team to save face and hold on to hope. But the efforts were not enough.
A bit like the rest of the season, this last match leaves the Niçois with many regrets. Missed opportunities, poorly exploited strong moments, and easily preventable goals conceded… Nevertheless, the eighth place is more than respectable for a team that, last November, was collapsing at Allianz Riviera against… Olympique Lyonnais (0-5) and then held the 18th position…
A more detailed analysis and season review will be available on Nice-Premium next week.
THE STAT: 27
The number of points lost by Gym after opening the score. A painful statistic that reflects the fragility of Nice’s defense this season. A weakness to address as a priority for next season.
REACTION FROM DANTE
“We had prepared well for this final. We absolutely needed to win. It was still a good match in terms of spirit, and I think if we had played like that all season, we would have already reached our objectives a while ago.
The club is progressing, we could have done more this season, but football doesn’t always go the way you want. We gave it our all, but we’ve also learned many lessons for the coming years…”
