This Sunday, the Gym traveled to OL’s field, in a clash of contenders for European spots. Punished by its lack of youth and questionable refereeing, the Aiglons suffered a heavy defeat in the Rhône (1-4).
Continuing the good momentum seen in the league and redeeming themselves after the major disappointment against the Rangers (1-4). The OGC Nice knew its two main missions before a perilous trip to the OL‘s field. In the standings, the Gones were close behind the Aiglons, just one point behind their opponent. In short, Nice could not afford to slip up. But the absences were numerous in Franck Haise‘s squad, almost a habit this season.
On the lineup side, Franck Haise organized his team around a 4-3-3 formation. Lacking significant flexibility, the coach maintained much of his eleven defeated in the Europa League. After these first minutes as a professional, this Thursday, Yaël Nandjou made his first start in Ligue 1. Returning from suspension, Moïse Bombito and Sofiane Diop were present at the start of the match.
A catastrophic end to the first half for the Gym
A show of pride was expected from Hicham Boudaoui‘s teammates at the start of this match. Perfectly found on a cross, Alexandre Lacazette needed only one opportunity to open the scoring (1-0, 4′). The Nice side reacted immediately through Evann Guessand. But the red and black striker’s goal was disallowed for a foul by Pablo Rosario at the start of the action, after a VAR review. A tough break for the Gym? Not even.
The OGC Nice finally got back into the game thanks to Sofiane Diop (1-1, 22′). The Moroccan international cut off Mohamed-Ali Cho’s cross at the far post. The Aiglons were finally back in the game. However, Franck Haise‘s players were then punished for their lack of experience during weak moments. The Nice defense conceded twice in two minutes. Alone in the box, Lacazette doubled the lead (2-1, 41′), followed by a magnificent strike from Veretout shortly afterward (3-1, 43′). To make matters worse, Mohamed-Ali Cho left his teammates, injured in the thigh. His name added to the long list of injuries for the Gym…
A heavy score for the Niçois
Returning from the locker room, the Aiglons wanted to get back into the match. Completely held by Caleta-Car, Evann Guessand did not receive a penalty, which seemed legitimate. A situation similar to the match between OL and Nice last season between the two teams. Back then, several refereeing decisions caused controversy. The Gym played better in this match, but could not score, as illustrated by Tanguy Ndombele‘s completely missed shot in front of the empty goal.
But the OGC Nice was punished again for its youth. On a corner, the young Yaël Nandjou was guilty of a handball in the Nice box. The penalty was awarded this time. Lacazette did not flinch and secured a hat-trick in this match (4-1, 70′). Against the run of play, the Aiglons found themselves struggling yet again. After this setback, Pablo Rosario‘s teammates slipped to 6th in Ligue 1. The Niçois were overtaken by the Lyonnais, a bad move in the race for European places.
The next match is next Saturday, December 7, for the Gym. The OGC Nice will face Le Havre, as part of the 14th matchday of Ligue 1. The match will mark the return of Didier Digard, coach of HAC, to the Allianz Riviera. Kick-off is at 7 PM.
