By losing (2-1) at the Allianz Riviera this Friday evening, OGC Nice extends their streak to four matches without a win. Nantes, more efficient, leaves with three important points in the race to avoid relegation.
The 28th day of Ligue 1 began in Nice, in a stadium where the Eagles were hoping to bounce back. Fourth at kickoff, the Niçois welcomed a struggling FC Nantes, ranked 13th and threatened by the relegation zone. For Franck Haise’s men, the objective was clear: to catch up to second place, which Monaco took last weekend.
But on the field, it was the Canaries who quickly took control. In the 12th minute, Douglas Augusto opens the scoring with a powerful shot from outside the box, following good work by Moses Simon. A goal that rewarded a more determined start from the visitors.
Nice did not take long to respond. Two minutes later, Boudaoui perfectly finds Ali Abdi in depth. The left wingback doesn’t hesitate and beats Anthony Lopes for the equalizer (1-1). The Allianz Riviera comes alive, hoping for a favorable dynamic.
The Eagles push forward, but they encounter a great goalkeeper. Anthony Lopes makes multiple decisive interventions, notably against Gaëtan Laborde, and keeps his team afloat. The Portuguese keeper is one of the players of the match, with no less than five crucial saves.
When Nice seemed to have gained the upper hand, Nantes strikes again. Following a poorly cleared corner, Matthis Abline manages to free himself on the left side. His low shot leaves Bulka with no chance. FC Nantes regains the lead in the 42nd minute. At halftime, the visitors lead (2-1), despite possession being significantly in favor of Nice.
A lackluster second half for OGC Nice
As they return from the dressing room, the pace slows down. Nice retains the ball but fails to unsettle the Nantes block. The statistics speak for themselves: 73% possession for the Eagles but too few clear chances as a result.
Franck Haise tries to shake up his team with several substitutions. Evann Guessand, Bouanani, and especially Morgan Sanson come on. The latter finally makes his return to Ligue 1 after a long absence. However, these adjustments are not enough to change the match outcome.
Nantes remains solid and compact, exploiting every counterattack seriously. Moses Simon continues to trouble the Nice defense. FCN doesn’t just defend, it plays every ball with intensity. In contrast, Nice struggles to pose a threat. Time passes, and the score doesn’t change.
The final whistle confirms Nice’s bad spell. A third loss in four matches and only one point taken from the last twelve available. The Champions League objective slips further away. For Nantes, this away victory is a relief. It allows Antoine Kombouaré’s men to still believe in their survival.
The next match, away against Strasbourg, will already be decisive for the rest of the championship.
Conversely, Nantes leaves the Allianz Riviera with smiles and three precious points. A victory achieved with solidarity and, above all, an outstanding goalkeeper.