In a spectacular Ligue Magnus encounter, Les Aigles de Nice were defeated on Anglet Hormadi’s ice after a thrilling match, concluding with a score of 5-4 after overtime at the La Barre rink. Leading for much of the game, the Nice team delivered a solid and committed performance but ultimately succumbed to Anglet’s pressure in the final minutes of play.
From the start of the match, Les Aigles de Nice demonstrated great determination despite external circumstances. Well-organized defensively and effective in transitions, the Nice team imposed their rhythm and appeared threatening from their first incursions into the offensive zone.
A first period perfectly mastered by Les Aigles de Nice
Nice’s domination quickly materialized. Mathieu Desagnes opened the scoring after a well-constructed collective action, finishing coolly in front of the Anglet goal. This goal rewarded the serious start of the Aigles de Nice and temporarily calmed the atmosphere at La Barre rink.
Continuing, Jere Larinmaa doubled the score. Very active on the ice, the Finn confirmed his major role in the Nice squad in Ligue Magnus, scoring a skillful goal after a nice puck movement.
Anglet managed to narrow the gap, taking advantage of a momentary defensive lapse. But Les Aigles de Nice did not doubt themselves. Once again decisive, Mathieu Desagnes scored a brace, allowing his team to regain a two-goal lead. By the end of the first period, Nice was logically leading 3-1.
Anglet’s resurgence in the second period
Returning from the locker room, Anglet Hormadi showed a different face. More aggressive and more present in duels, the Basques imposed an intense physical challenge, typical of great Ligue Magnus nights at La Barre. Les Aigles de Nice struggled more and found it difficult to cleanly clear the puck.
This rise in intensity was quickly rewarded. Anglet scored two consecutive goals, capitalizing on the constant pressure in the Nice zone. Despite several important saves by Alexis Shank, the locals managed to equalize at 3-3 before the end of the second period, fully reigniting the match.
A high-tension third period
The last period was marked by maximum intensity. Both teams traded blows, aware of the importance of each point in this fiercely contested Ligue Magnus season. Chances multiplied on both sides amid an electric atmosphere.
As the match seemed to be heading towards a point-sharing outcome, Les Aigles de Nice regained the advantage. In a messy play in front of the Anglet goal, Loïc Coulaud seized the opportunity and scored the fourth Nice goal, tipping the match in favor of the visitors.
But Anglet refused to bow down. Pushed by their crowd, the Basques increased the pressure in the final minutes. Their persistence was eventually rewarded with an equalizing goal, snatched at the very end of regulation time, bringing the score to 4-4 and sending both teams into overtime.
A fatal overtime for Les Aigles de Nice
The overtime mirrored the match: intense, contested, and uncertain. Despite several chances for Nice, it was Anglet who managed to make the difference. On a quick counterattack, the locals scored the winning goal, sealing the score at 5-4 and delivering victory to Hormadi in front of their home crowd.
Positive takeaways despite the defeat
Despite this overtime defeat, Les Aigles de Nice leave with many reasons for satisfaction. The offensive efficiency of Mathieu Desagnes, the creativity of Jesper Larinmaa, and the team’s collective commitment demonstrate the group’s solidity.
In an increasingly demanding Ligue Magnus, this match confirms that Les Aigles de Nice have the level to compete away against direct opponents. The frustration is real, but the performance offers encouraging prospects for the rest of the season.
