Dominated from start to finish, the Gym failed to pose a threat in the derby against OM (1-0). Their tormentor of the evening is named… Mario Balotelli.
It was destined. After bringing both joy and despair to OGC Nice, Mario Balotelli chose to join Marseille, turning his back on the Gym and its supporters for their historical rival. Something the supporters cannot stomach. And, of course, the Italian is thriving in his new colors. It was destined that he would score against the Gym tonight. Unfortunately.
It was also destined that the Gym would struggle at the Vélodrome. Still without a solution in attack (incredible to finish the season without a true striker), the eighteenth attack in Ligue 1 did not expect a goal fest.
Fielded in a 5-3-2 formation, the Nice team resisted for a long time. Bénitez worked hard in goal, while Hérelle and Dante held firm in the center. Despite Christophe Jallet’s injury exit (25th minute), Patrick Vieira’s defensive setup seemed to work.
On the other side of the field, only a shot from Saint-Maximin at Mandanda (23rd minute) is worth mentioning. Once again, the Gym struggles to create offensive situations.
In a very tight match, the second half did not produce much spectacle. But, as it was destined, Mario Balotelli broke the deadlock with a header (61st minute), served by Ocampos and forgotten by the Nice defense’s marking.
Afterward, Nice tried to recover, but the substitutions of Cyprien and Sacko made no difference. The Aiglons leave the Vélodrome with no points, no goals, and firmly in ninth place in the standings with 40 points.
REACTION FROM DANTE
“We were courageous. We approached the match trying to keep our lines tight. We did relatively well, and we were even better after changing the system. In terms of content, we can say it’s okay, but when you lose, you cannot be happy.”
