In a match played at a slow pace, OGC Nice lost to a PSG in managerial mode. Without underperforming, the Niçois never managed to make a difference against the visiting team. Claude Puel’s men can take solace in having avoided the usual heavy defeat against the Parisians, while showing a different side.
The atmosphere was somewhat peculiar, despite a sold-out Allianz Riviera, eager to witness the performance of Zlatan and company. Even before the match began, a special atmosphere was present. The former Brigade Sud Nice decided to hold a symbolic five-minute strike at the start of the game. The “south” supporters even received significant backing. The usual eagle that flies over the stadium did not deign to take flight.
With all these happenings, the match started in an unexpectedly muted atmosphere for such a fixture. The resumption of chants from the popular stands at the beginning of the first half confirmed how much the atmosphere depends on this section. With this strike, the ultras wanted to protest the recent stadium bans that affected the veteran fans of the stands.
On the pitch, these concerns were far from present. The midfield battle, announced as lost from the start, indeed took place between the Digard-Mendy-Traoré trio and Motta-Cabaye-Pastore. The Niçois took advantage of the low intensity imposed by the Parisians to make their presence felt in this encounter. Paris had its mind on their Champions League match against Chelsea, and it showed.
Digard, Cvitanich, and Bauthéac posed some problems for the visitors with their ball control and aggression. Nevertheless, it was far too inadequate to trouble the Parisian machine. Kolodziejczak, hindered by Cavani’s strength, dashed his team’s hope by deflecting the ball into his own net at the start of the second half.
From then on, the scenario was preordained. Paris calmly managed the game with its technique and experience against the eager but too limited Azuréens. The match ended, and the PSG stars could calmly turn their attention to their European commitments. Nice had no regrets, as the visitors appeared confident and serene. The Aiglons can now look forward to facing slightly more “human” teams.
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