A challenging end of the year for the Gym as they leave the Meinau Stadium without any points, logically defeated by RC Strasbourg (2-0). Nice’s fine series comes to an end.
Organized in a 3-6-1 (or 3-4-3 during offensive phases) like on Wednesday in the Coupe de la Ligue, the Aiglons faced the same difficulties in making an offensive impact. Missing numerous offensive players, the latest being Allan Saint-Maximin (knee sprain), Patrick Vieira entrusted the tip of the Nice attack to Ignatius Ganago, but the young Cameroonian had few opportunities to shine.
Despite a coherent start and the first targeted shots of the match (Cyprien from a free kick 5th minute, Atal with the left foot 18th minute), the Gym went down on the first real opportunity for the locals. Well set up in depth by Lala, Adrien Thomasson got ahead of Walter Benitez and with a subtle chip into the near net opened the scoring (1-0, 26’). Strasbourg’s realism was confirmed just before the break when, from a corner, Lamine Koné jumped higher than Sarr and Benitez to double the lead with a header (2-0, 41’).
While Strasbourg could have finished the match right after the break without a reflex save by Walter Benitez on his line in front of Mothiba (46’), the Rouge et Noir had the chance to get back into the game with a penalty after a foul by Caci on Atal (54’). But Wylan Cyprien’s shot at mid-height was met by Racing’s Belgian keeper Matz Sels, while Ihsan Sacko narrowly missed the rebound (56’).
In the last half-hour, Patrick Vieira strengthened his offensive sector with the introductions of Sacko, Sylvestre (making his professional debut), and Srarfi, but despite increased presence near the opposing area, the Gym couldn’t reduce the score. Atal was denied by Sels, who was formidable on his line, at the best Niçoise opportunity (88’).
This defeat in Alsace halts Gym’s fine series in Ligue 1 (7 matches unbeaten: 4 wins and 3 draws), as their evening adversary caught up to tie them in points at 7th place. The Aiglons’ return to competition is scheduled for Saturday, January 5, in the Coupe de France in Toulouse.
WALTER BENITEZ’S REACTION
“We conceded two goals in the first half, and it’s tough for us. It’s been a difficult week to manage, with many changes in the team. If we manage to score from the penalty, we could have chances to equalize… it was a tough night. Now we need to raise our heads and keep working.”
