After a great match, Nice clung on to a very nervous PSG for a long time, but ultimately succumbed to a late goal from Dani Alves. Frustrating for the Eagles, who can be proud of their performance.
The meeting was scheduled for 1 p.m., an unusual time meant to promote the championship in Asia. A prime-time broadcast, and a great showcase for Ligue 1. On the left, OGC Nice, the rising small club now establishing itself as a reliable force in the championship. On the right, Paris Saint-Germain, the giant devouring everything in its path, making quick work of other French clubs (but not European ones!). A tantalizing duel on paper, and not just on paper.
The lineup promised Neymar against Balotelli, Mbappé against Saint-Maximin, Seri against Verratti, and Dante against Thiago Silva… The only one missing was the very first. Neymar, who had already missed the first match, will have to wait to experience the privilege of facing Nice and their Italian star.
After a timid start from both sides, it was the future French champion who first picked up the pace. Just before the 15-minute mark, Verratti snatched a ball from Cyprien’s feet, passed to Cavani, and the Uruguayan found both Benitez’s gloves and the post in quick succession. A first thrill in the (filled) stands of Allianz Riviera.
Right after this chance, Maxime Le Marchand, once again positioned on the left of the defense, sent a long ball to Super Mario. In the center circle, the Italian chested it down for Pléa, who set Saint-Maximin free in space. After an incredible sprint, his trademark, the young winger easily beat Aréola to open the scoring! (1-0, 17th minute).
Nice seemed powerful, determined to unsettle the Parisians. Yet, the Eagles fell back into old habits. In a seemingly innocuous action, Dante lunged too eagerly at Di Maria. The Argentine took advantage, pierced through the captain of Nice and equalized with a powerful outside-foot shot (1-1, 24th minute).
We’ll skip over François Letexier’s perplexing performance, who overlooked numerous fouls on both sides, yet fortunately did not influence the final result.
After the break, Nice pushed but Paris dominated. On another counterattack, Saint-Maximin capitalized on Aréola’s hesitation to face him but lobbed the ball insufficiently (50th minute).
Balotelli, the man for big matches, was determined to score. Whether being serviced by Saint-Maximin (63rd minute), or with a direct free kick (70th minute), he came close to a breakthrough when his header struck the bar (73rd minute).
But the match turned unfavorably when Dani Alves, repositioned in midfield following Meunier’s entry, jumped higher than Malang Sarr and Dante to place an unstoppable header past Benitez, who had been imperial that afternoon (1-2, 82nd minute).
Despite a powerful match, Nice fell without having been outclassed. It was a full match deserving of a better outcome. Yet, Asian spectators probably had a great time. And the Eagles earned some points with them. We’ll make do with that.
LUCIEN FAVRE’S REACTION
“It was a good match. There were chances on both sides. Our first half was better than the second. After the break, we lost too many balls. Our defense was under pressure and we needed more runs. Our play lacked intensity. We noticed we were dropping in the second half. Nonetheless, we held firm and countered a few times. I regret the two goals we conceded; they were entirely avoidable, those two weren’t real chances, I would have preferred to concede ‘real goals’. We could have taken a point from this match. But against Paris, mistakes are unforgivable. To keep up, a significant energy expenditure is necessary for 95 minutes. Overall, it’s still positive.”
DANTE’S REACTION
“We played a really good match overall, against an experienced team that handled the ball well. Despite the defeat, there were a lot of good things. We must maintain this mentality until the end of the championship. Just like against Lille (2-1) and Guingamp (2-5), the spirit was excellent.”
