This Friday evening, the Gym faced Stade Rennais in the opening of the 16th day of Ligue 1. Despite a few tense moments, the Aiglons triumphed over the Bretons (3-2).
Re-enter the Top 5 of Ligue 1. The objective was clear for OGC Nice this Friday, before facing Stade Rennais, for its first match of the year 2025. In case of success against the Bretons, Franck Haise’s men would temporarily reclaim the 5th place in the standings. To recall, the Aiglons are still unbeaten this season at the Allianz Riviera in the championship. Only PSG has performed as well in Ligue 1. The last match in the red and black anchor had turned in favor of Melvin Bard’s teammates, who overcame Havre.
As for the lineup, Franck Haise still had to manage without part of his squad (Moffi, Sanson, Abdi, Louchet, Clauss, Boga, Bombito, notably). However, Youssouf Ndayishimyie, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Antoine Mendy returned to the starting eleven. On his side, Nice’s captain, Dante, started the match on the bench.
The Nice team present
From the outset, it was evident that OGC Nice was in for a good day. The Gym dominated the discussions in this first act. Despite a small scare from Marcin Bulka following a poorly handled ball, the Aiglons quickly took the lead. With a delightful ball, Tanguy Ndombele found Evann Guessand (1-0, 12’). The scorer from the Riviera, with a point-blank shot, opened the scoring. But the red and black hopes were quickly dashed. Rennes equalized on their only opportunity (1-1, 27’). Kalimuendo took Blas’ cross to put the teams level.
A setback? Not at all! The Gym capitalized on a blunder by Steeve Mandanda to regain the lead (2-1, 34’). The Rennes goalkeeper completely missed his clearance in his own area. Sofiane Diop did not hesitate to convert the gift. Having performed a complete half at every level, the Gym even extended the lead right before the break (3-1, 45’). Making a breakthrough on the right, Evan Guessand crossed to Gaëtan Laborde. In a pure striker’s style, the Nice scorer joined in the celebration.
A more challenging second half
The Aiglons played with fire. Still mentally in the locker room, the Gym saw Rennes come back on the scoreboard very quickly in this second act (3-2, 49’). Still shaky, Marcin Bulka deflected an opponent’s shot in front of his goal. Truffert didn’t miss the opportunity and reduced the gap in this match. The match’s pace slowed down, and OGC Nice endured further offensive assaults from its evening adversary.
The only real opportunity for the team from the Riviera in this second act: Hicham Boudaoui’s shot shattered against the Rennes crossbar. The Aiglons’ defensive block did not give way. OGC Nice won after a difficult second act, marked by Pablo Rosario’s dismissal in the final minutes of the game. Franck Haise’s men temporarily rise to the fifth place before the other results of the weekend.
Next match next Saturday, January 11 for the Gym. OGC Nice will travel to Reims for the 17th day of Ligue 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM.