Assured of a podium finish and not very concerned tonight, the Aiglons suffered a more than avoidable setback, ending their home unbeaten streak.
A powerful block and supersonic attackers. Angers possessed the archetype of a “trap opponent” for a final home game. With limited sporting stakes, this profile allowed the 32,246 spectators to be thrilled and the game to be lively.
In a wonderful atmosphere, that inevitably made us think the main focus was elsewhere than on the field, the Aiglons stayed true to themselves. Deprived of many key players due to injuries (Ricardo, Eysseric, Le Bihan, Le Marchand, Obbadi, Cyprien, Plea…) or suspension (Dalbert), the starting XI lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Malang Sarr on the left side of the defense, Vincent Marcel in the playmaker line, and Tassos Donis on the right.
In their preferred setup for the second half of the season, Nice ensured possession and tried to destabilize their opponent with short play stemming from the midfield axis. The domain of the little magicians (Seri-Koziello) and the great Younes (at number 10), a field teeming with imbalances and dangers, both delightful and nerve-wracking.
Very quickly, therefore, the Aiglons began to play. Very quickly, the SCO had fun countering them. Coming with the intention to enjoy themselves and defend fiercely, Stéphane Moulin’s men created a slew of opportunities in the first half. Pepe broke free on the right from the beginning, moved towards the center, and bent a shot captured by Cardinale (3rd minute). Martinez sent a header wide (7th minute), Souquet sacrificed his body to save the day, blocking a shot from Sunu (13th minute), alone at the penalty spot; then threw himself in front of Toko Ekambi (21st minute). Threatening, Angers finally opened the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark, after wasting a few numerical advantages. Following a failed first attempt—a header caught by Cardi (19th minute), Cheick N’Doye took advantage of a cross from Tait, who executed a brilliant nutmeg, to beat the local keeper (38th minute).
This enumeration does not mean the Aiglons played with clipped wings. Masters of the ball, they still offered some thrills to their fans, particularly during three feverish minutes. Following a superb triangle play between Balotelli-Belhanda-Seri, Tassos Donis earned a corner. The best African player in Ligue 1 approached the ball and upped the pressure. Ever inspired—he placed the ball on Mario’s head, who saw Michel soar (27th minute). From the resulting corner, Donis took advantage of a scramble in the box to fire a shot, but N’Doye deflected. Seri attempted a third try with a Reims-style play and, after a one-two with Belhanda, hit the crossbar.
Shaken but still alive, Dante’s crew returned to the locker room with a deficit to overcome. After two rocket shots in the first half—courtesy of a delightful backheel from the elegant Vincent Marcel and a masterpiece by Seri—Super Mario tested Michel early in the second half (55th minute) in a replay of the move that led to his goal against Lorient.
Sensing that the match was slipping away, the Gym became increasingly pressing as the minutes passed. Arnaud Souquet was tripped by Bamba in a move that could have resulted in a penalty (64th minute). It was déjà vu a quarter of an hour before the end when Balotelli was fouled by Bérigaud in the box. Mr. Lesage forgot his whistle in his pocket, but the Aiglons continued their efforts.
Lucien Favre brought on Walter and Srarfi in place of Koziello and Marcel. Angers held on tight. Srarfi capitalized on a corner from Seri extended by Souquet to smash the ball into the visitors’ goal during stoppage time, but the Angers defense cleared it off the line. Angers put an end to the suspense on the next play when Toko Ekambi doubled their lead from a corner (90+3 minute).
The party was spoiled by the result. But the celebration was still magnificent before, during, and after the match. Thank you, the Gym.
And thank you, the Niçois.
The stat: 23
After 23 matches without defeat at the Allianz Riviera, Nice fell on Sunday night, against Angers in the 37th and penultimate matchday of Ligue 1 (0-2). The Gym’s last home defeat dated back to February 26, 2016, against Bastia (0-2).
Lucien Favre’s reaction
“We faced a good team. Angers made some changes, but with Pepe and Bamba, that says it all. In the first half, they had many more chances than us. There’s been a real let-up since the victory against Paris. After the break, it was better; we could have had a penalty. This home defeat was inevitable. We are missing too many players too.
The ovation at the end of the match? It was nice to see the stadium full. Our supporters have always been there. They never gave up, even when there were only 15,000 people in the stadium. It’s a collective effort that allowed us to have this fantastic season. But it all hangs by a thread. The rumors of departures are common in all leagues. I will not say more. Next season, there will be two rounds, possibly only one if Ajax wins the Europa League, to go to the Champions League. It’s a big program”.
Arnaud Souquet’s reaction
“We are competitors; we are disappointed. We would have preferred to finish with a victory and remain undefeated at home all season. But we achieved an exceptional Championship, which started with that first match (1-0 against Rennes, first matchday) and the tribute (to the victims of the July 14 attack). In the end, we had a wonderful communion with the public. But we would have liked to finish well, it’s a shame”.
