12 matches lost in the last 17 encounters, OGC Nice didn’t have an easy task yesterday afternoon at the Abbé Deschamps stadium, and the recent defeat of Auxerre in Marseille (4-0) was not reassuring for Antonetti’s team. However, the first minutes of the game showed a well-prepared OGC Nice, determined not to be intimidated, naturally proceeding with counters. Loïc Rémy demonstrated his prowess by darting around the Burgundian defense, though he couldn’t break through. The match leveled off and the efforts of Jelen, Quercia, and Lejeune were not enough to trouble a well-established red and black defense in front of their goalkeeper Lionel Letizi. As the game calmly approached the half-hour mark, from a set piece, David Hellebuyck delivered a perfect cross onto the head of Alaeddine Yahia. The Nice defender sent the ball to the back of Rémi Riou’s net, who could only watch the scoreboard change. With just enough time for Lionel Letizi to negotiate two attempts from Chafni and Pedretti, Habib Bamogo found himself in a position to double the lead, but unfortunately, his shot only found the Auxerre goalkeeper’s crossbar, who was otherwise beaten. The teams seemed headed to the locker rooms with this flattering scoreline for the young eagles when Lejeune launched Oliech, who had come onto the field, but he was stopped by Lionel Letizi, who had no choice but to foul. The penalty was indisputable, and Lejeune prepared to take it. He stepped forward, but his shot went wide right of Lionel Letizi’s goal, who had leapt to the correct side. It was with a score of 0-1 that the referee of the match, Thierry Aurias, sent the two teams to rest.
Jean Fernandes then tried, in the second half, to inject fresh blood into his troops by bringing in Romanian Niculae in place of Dudka. A judicious choice since Auxerre pressed on the Nice defense, but they deftly managed the pressure without excessive difficulties. Rémy, always energetic, attempted several impressive maneuvers, but Grichting and Mignot watched him closely and thwarted the Nice striker’s efforts.
The Nice team contented themselves with countering the vain attempts of a Burgundian midfield and attack, which struggled to impose their play at home as well as away. The minutes ticked by, and Antonetti’s men sensed that a victory was within reach on this third day. The Nice coach made changes by substituting Traoré and Bamogo with Coulibaly and Modeste. Mignot and Grichting tried to break through the Nice defense, but Lionel Letizi, unflappable, ensured the triumph was brought back to the French Riviera. The stands of the Abbé Deschamps vibrated with boos and whistles, but it made no difference.
OGC Nice returned indeed with three points in the bag, whereas many imagined they’d return with a load full of conceded goals. Is this proof that a new level was reached this Sunday? The answer awaits next Saturday with the reception of Valenciennes, who have the same score as Nice and will come to Ray with the firm intention of taking a memento from their trip to the Côte d’Azur!
The post-match reactions on OGCNice.com
