The trend is confirmed. Nice can no longer win at the Stade du Ray. Although the recent home performances of the Eaglets have been below expectations, the one against Monaco was not. Dominating from start to finish, the Niçois reassured everyone, yet they were unable to score due to the fantastic performance of the Monaco goalkeeper, Stéphane Ruffier.
At the start of the match, both teams, well-organized, were quite cautious and left little space. Frédéric Antonetti’s players, however, were the first to attack. Bamogo was thwarted by Ruffier at the 3rd and then at the 9th minute, Rémy dribbled past the goalkeeper but pushed the ball too far. After weathering the storm, the Monégasques built up their play but failed to worry Ospina, except for a distant free kick from Mollo at the 20th minute that hit the bar. At the half-hour mark, Lolo’s shot narrowly missed the goal. The Gym regained control and dominated outrageously. However, the real danger came mainly from David Hellebuyck and his set pieces. On the first, Echouafni nearly scored with a header (38th) while Modesto was forced to clear the second in front of the looming Rémy (40th). On the last one before the break, Ruffier was called into action and cleared the ball from the line in the nick of time (45th). Although they didn’t score, OGC Nice had the best chances of the first half.
A firecracker for Ruffier, a match ball for Rémy
After the break, Licata, just brought on, took his chance, unsuccessfully. Monaco’s play was clearly offensive, which was rare enough to be noted. At the 54th minute, on another free kick by Hellebuyck, a header from Echouafni went wide. But the Gym really dominated. The three successive chances by Loïc Rémy around the hour mark were no threat for Ruffier.
At the 70th minute, Lolo and Gakpé did not find the target and the Gym pushed forward once more. The Niçois were everywhere. The last quarter of the hour was indeed one-sided, the home side having an easier time due to the expulsion of Mongongu (76th minute). Soon after, Ruffier had to make a reflex save in front of a deflection by… Leko, who almost fooled his own goalkeeper. The event of the match occurred at the 80th minute when a firecracker, thrown from the stands, exploded at Ruffier’s feet. Injured in the thigh, he nevertheless finished the match… and in fine form. The ASM’s goalkeeper was then vigilant against attempts by Modeste (89th, 90th), who had just entered the game. In stoppage time, Rémy had a final match ball but his attempt skimmed the post.
The Gym has raised its game. Unfortunately, they lacked that little goal that would have unlocked the match. ASM can thank its goalkeeper, who had a great match.
