The Gym went through all the emotions at Louis-II but ultimately left with a point. Initially dominant, it self-sabotaged before halftime and almost pulled off the perfect heist.
For this derby, Patrick Vieira decided to renew his trust in the 3-5-2 formation, a week after defeating Bordeaux with a 4-3-3. Christophe Jallet replaced Christophe Hérelle (suspended) in the defensive trio, alongside Dante and Malang Sarr. Youcef Atal occupied the right flank, and Patrick Burner the left.
In the midfield, Rémi Walter paired up with Wylan Cyprien. Adrien Tameze started in a more advanced position, even though the former Valenciennes player regularly dropped back to join the battle in the heart of the game. Ihsan Sacko played as the left forward, leaving the striking role to Allan Saint-Maximin, who once again delivered a very good match.
The first half-hour was tactical and locked, with each team trying to win the midfield battle, where the key to the game lies. Early in the match, Walter Benitez made a stunning save on a shot by Golovin, following a long ball from Serrano, well exploited by Sylla, who served the Russian on a platter.
After that, the Gym only shivered on a shot by Lopes that went over, following a ball lost by Dante in midfield, and gradually took control of the game. With possession, they searched for a gap by going through the flanks and banking on Saint-Maximin’s impact.
Nice found the opening thanks to its top scorer. After good pressing, Tameze blocked a pass from Aït-Bennasser and unintentionally launched Saint-Maximin. The Gym’s rocket handled the rest on his own, first moving past Jemerson, proving that a derby is played with desire, and then concluding with a cold-blooded cross shot (0-1, 30th minute). A true move by a confident striker. The fifth personal achievement of the Gym’s top scorer this season.
An opening goal that put Monaco in an uncomfortable situation. Unfortunately, the first half ended with the (unjust) ejection of Ihsan Sacko. The forward was penalized for dangerous play on Henrichs. A particularly debatable decision made with the assistance of VAR. A decision with significant consequences, as the Gym had to defend for most of the second half.
Monaco quickly equalized after the break (1-1, 50th minute), and the Aiglons retreated and suffered for 20 minutes. Serrano missed a header in the six-meter box (70′). Benitez saved a shot from Golovin (71′). Nice put all its energy into preserving the draw, centered around an exemplary Dante and an impeccable Benitez, waiting for “a strike.” The opportunity came a quarter of an hour before the end when Youcef Atal rushed down his flank and was tripped in the box. Saint-Maximin took the ball and aimed his penalty at the same spot as last week, but his shot was deflected by Benaglio (75′). Afterward, the derby heated up for 10 minutes. Falcao fired a shot that Benitez deflected onto the post (83′), and the Gym loosened its grip. Ultimately, no one emerged victorious from a fierce battle.
PATRICK VIEIRA’S REACTION
There is a lot of frustration and questions about the referee’s decisions. Sacko’s red card is very harsh. I don’t understand it. I’ve reviewed the footage and I don’t think the move was dangerous. This red card significantly impacted our team. With eleven against eleven, we would have been much better. Overall, the first half was rather dull and disappointing in terms of chances. It was better in the second half. Of course, it was more complicated for us with 10 men, but I can’t fault the players; they gave everything, and defensively they were very good. We didn’t lack much. I think if we had scored the penalty, we had a great chance to win the match, even though we might have lost to Falcao’s post as well.
