OGC Nice dealt a real blow to AS Saint-Étienne, winning (8-0) in the 5th round of Ligue 1. The Eagles, determined to bounce back after a difficult start to the season, dominated the match from start to finish.
Right from the kick-off, the Nice team took control of the match, displaying intense pressing and very effective team play. Saint-Étienne defender Dylan Batubinsika scored an own goal as early as the fourth minute, caught off guard by a miss from Youssoufa Moukoko, who was a surprise starter.
Then it was a true offensive festival from Nice. Tanguy Ndombele doubled the score after a poor clearance by Batubinsika, once again. Mohamed Ali-Cho missed an initial chance on the right side after being set up by Ndombele but found his mark in the 24th minute. Well assisted by a Jonathan Clauss in great form, the young striker beat Gautier Larsonneur, who was totally abandoned by his defense. The Gym scored three more times before halftime. Youssoufa Moukoko scored twice and also assisted Evann Guessand for another goal. At halftime, Nice was already leading (6-0), and the game was effectively over.
OGC Nice sinks ASSE further
In the second half, despite a slight improvement in Saint-Étienne’s play, the Greens were caught off guard once again on a counter perfectly executed by Mohamed Ali-Cho and Badredine Bouanani. Sofiane Diop finished this action to make it (7-0). Pablo Rosario completed the Stéphanois’ ordeal by scoring a penalty, sealing OGCN’s victory at (8-0). It had been more than 70 years since Saint-Étienne had suffered such humiliation.
On the Nice side, the excellent performance of the young players, especially in attack, stands out—a piece of good news considering the numerous injuries. This emphatic victory restores confidence to the Eagles, while ASSE continues to struggle, suffering their fourth defeat in five games since their return to Ligue 1.
The next match for the Red and Black is this Wednesday in the Europa League as they host Real Sociedad. Kick-off at 9 PM.
