Defeated for the second time in 10 days, OGC Nice conceded their fourth loss of the Ligue 1 season (1-2) against Nantes tonight. Their third at home. Irresistible for nearly a month, the team from Nice is losing speed and inspiration.
With desire, aggressiveness, and technical quality, the Nantes players returned to Nice with the same ingredients they had a month ago. They added a certain defensive solidity. It must be said that the Gym did not manage to show the same brilliance as in Rennes or against Bordeaux. Collectively and individually, Puel’s men seemed less incisive. Germain or Ben Arfa, brilliant since the beginning of the season, clearly lacked energy. Just like during the reception of Lille on Sunday.
With a less prolific attack, defensive errors are even more visible and impactful. The Bodmer-Genevois partnership lacked complementarity for their first association of the season. Immediate or almost immediate punishment came in the 11th minute of play with the opening goal. After a good move on the right side, Sabaly pretended to cross and eliminated Bodmer. Calmly making his pass, he then played it back to Alegue for his first goal in Ligue 1, in his very first match.
FC Nantes more incisive
Despite less favorable results in the last 2 matches, the team from Nice is trying to ride the wave of confidence they’ve accumulated to bounce back. Seri (16th) and A. Mendy (18th) sound the revolt. Yet it is the canaries who come close to doubling their lead. Following a corner, the ball comes back to Iloki, completely alone in the area but covered by Papy Mendy. The Nantes player takes time to realize he is onside and shoots directly at Hassen, who saves well.
Just before halftime, Nice equalizes through Romain Genevois after a free-kick from Ben Arfa deflected by Vizcarrondo. The start of the second half for the hosts is far better than their performance before the break. Alexandre Mendy even sees a goal rightly disallowed, showing determination and power. But the realism is Nantes’ and during a superb play, Sightorsson gives his team the advantage after a very strong cross from Bambou (70th).
As the international break looms, the team from Nice must negotiate an important derby in Marseille on Sunday. The rest will be welcome for the eagles… It remains to be seen if any of them will have two matches to play with the France team.
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