Victorious against a Lille team that lost momentum, OGC Nice defied the odds this Sunday on their home turf at the Allianz Riviera. Thanks to a goal from Bodmer, scored in an offside position, Nice gives hope to its supporters. The return of key players, along with a rediscovered spirit, might well change the outcome of the season on the Côte d’Azur.
It’s with this kind of match that the young eagles prove they can compete with the top teams in the league. Despite a position as outsiders and recent mixed performances, Nice delivered a serious game. Focused and realistic, Claude Puel’s men did the minimum required to win this kind of match.
A rather closed game, dominated by the Lille team, but the biggest chances were credited to the Niçois. History will remember the goal scored by Bodmer in an offside position, but it should not overshadow the spirit shown by the Gym. Failing to play quality football, OGC Nice, as often this season, used its mental strengths to secure 3 points. This is in stark contrast to last season, when the Eagles were technically dominating their opponents.
Currently, Alexy Bosetti’s teammates are not concerned with this issue. After the setback in Montpellier, the goal was not beautiful play but rather reassurance through commitment. These values are necessary to earn points and secure a position in the top 10 of the league. For this, the Niçois must show the same desire away from home.
Because that’s where the shoe pinches. With just one victory, eight defeats, and two draws, the away record is catastrophic. Barely worthy of a team fighting for survival. It also places the Eagles in a difficult position at every home game. Forced to win to stay in the race, Nice depends on its performances at the Allianz Riviera. A real problem for a team with two faces. Statistics prove it: 18 goals scored for 10 conceded at home, 4 poor goals scored for 18 conceded away.
However, let’s highlight the series of injuries and suspensions faced by the Nice squad since the beginning of the season. This doesn’t explain the mediocre performances, but Claude Puel will certainly be happy to recover his key players for upcoming matches.
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