This Thursday evening, OGC Nice traveled to Elfsborg’s turf as part of the 7th day of the Europa League. Reflecting their failed campaign at all levels, the Eagles were defeated once more in Sweden (0-1).
Swedish trip for the Gym! Struggling greatly in the Europa League, the Niçois wanted to secure a first victory to believe in their last hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. As a reminder, Sofiane Diop’s teammates had been defeated in Brussels during their last encounter in this mini tournament. Mathematically, the opportunity was still there. But the red and black’s chances of qualification were estimated at 2% before this match. Franck Haise’s players were no longer the sole masters of their European destiny.
In terms of lineup, the Azurean coach made wide changes in his starting eleven. Maxime Dupé started in goal, as did Antoine Mendy and Yaël Nandjou in defense, and Issiaga Camara in midfield. The usual key players were given rest (Gaëtan Laborde, Hicham Boudaoui) or placed on the bench (Dante, Evann Guessand, Youssouf Ndayishimiye).
The Gym Purring
On their synthetic pitch, the Swedes quickly took control of the ball. The first opportunities were credited to Niklas Hult’s teammates. Pushed around, the Gym retreated without showing danger in the opponent’s half. Lacking speed and precision, the teammates struggled against the solid and compact opposing block.
The only real opportunity for the Eagles in this first half was Tom Louchet’s on-target shot after the half-hour mark. The first on-target opportunity of the match for Franck Haise’s men. At the end of a fairly poor half, both teams returned to the locker rooms with a goalless draw.
A New Disappointing Performance on the European Stage
Without being flamboyant, the Niçois returned with better intentions in the second half. But the Gym still failed to trouble the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, OGC Nice conceded the opening goal around the hour mark (0-1). From a corner, Henriksson got ahead of his adversaries at the near post. Surprised, Maxime Dupé could not intervene. The Niçois reaction was immediate: Tom Louchet, one of the most active Niçois, hit the crossbar. The Azurean pressure increased.
Franck Haise’s coaching benefited his team. More threatening, Mohamed Abdelmonem’s teammates camped in the Swedish final third. Without managing to find the spark to get back in the match. OGC Nice lost for the fifth time in seven games in the Europa League. The Eagles are definitively out of the race for the playoffs. Next Thursday, the Gym will face Bodo-Glimt, with no sporting stakes at play. After that, the Azurean club will be able to turn the page on a totally failed campaign at all levels.
The next match is this Sunday, January 26th, for OGC Nice. The Eagles host OM for a heated derby as part of the 19th day of Ligue 1. Kick-off for this fixture is scheduled for 8:45 PM.