And here we go again. For its first match of the year, the Gym faced AJ Auxerre in the context of the French Cup Round of 64.
This encounter had all the makings of a trap game. Runners-up in Ligue 2, the Icaunian team currently boasts the best attack in their league with 40 goals scored in… 19 matches. Needless to say, they are fully functional up front. The exact opposite of the team from Nice, who struggle to capitalize on their chances but can rely on a solid defense that places them at the top of Ligue 1.
However, this time, the Italian tactician who arrived on the Côte d’Azur last summer faced a dilemma. With Dante, Todibo, and Bard suspended, the entire backbone of his defensive wall was shattered. Only Lotomba and Bulka were available. Not enough to worry Francesco Farioli though, who seems unfazed by challenges. The lineup:
An Undecided Match
In this duel between the second teams of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, Nice showed themselves to be slightly more dangerous in the first half thanks to Moffi (3rd, 32nd minute). AJA struggled but could have also opened the scoring with Perrin in the 28th minute.
On the same footing in the second half, the Nice team stumbled against a very good De Percin in AJA’s goal. Auxerre could have pulled off the upset in extra time or during the penalty shootout, except Marcin Bulka was also up to the challenge. Laborde finally succeeded with his penalty by uncrossing his left-footed shot victoriously to qualify OGC Nice at the end of the suspense (4-2).
The Eagles will be back in action next Saturday. They will head to Rennes to resume their campaign in the Ligue 1 Uber Eats.
