Two mission-driven teams were present on the Allianz Riviera pitch for the final day of the championship. On one side, the Nice team was looking for stronger support from their fans. On the other, the Lyon team was still in the race for Europe.
And Lyon’s European mission starts very poorly. The reason being an own goal by the German international, Jérôme Boateng, who attempted a back pass to his goalkeeper. A misunderstanding that proves costly for Laurent Blanc’s men.
Twenty minutes later, Alexandre Lacazette tries to put his team back on track but misses the target twice on clear chances. Lyon pushes forward but cannot succeed. The Gym tries to capitalize on counterattacks. It’s Gaëtan Laborde who heads in a break goal by smashing a ball boxed by Anthony Lopes (2-0 at the 28th minute).
Lacazette, once again, attempts to react to a cross from Rayan Cherki but the Lyon striker isn’t successful in this first half. Success is not elusive to the Nice team who recover a ball in the midfield before sending Terem Moffi to finish off a cross from Jordan Lotomba (3-0 at the 32nd minute). Lyon is stunned, Allianz Riviera erupts.
OL continues to push but Lacazette doesn’t find the target, or his teammates are stopped by a rather inspired Kasper Schmeichel. Finally, until the 40th minute, when Jeffinho reduces the gap.
Stalemate in the second half
The Gym returns to the field with a significant lead on the scoreboard. The second half is more balanced. The Lyon team tries to come back by pressing high to disturb the Eaglets. It’s to no avail as Laurent Blanc’s players are thwarted by the Nice goalkeeper, as seen with Corentin Tolisso. The only downside is the injuries of Hicham Boudaoui and Melvin Bard.
That’s where it ends (3-1) on this final day of Ligue 1 that sees Nice finish in 9th place with 58 points. Lyon falls short of Europe. All eyes are now on the 2023-2024 season with the next milestone being the summer transfer window, which is expected to be busy for the Azur club.
