In a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice faced off against FC Nantes on April 4, 2025, in a match that saw both teams battling hard for crucial points in the Ligue 1 standings. Ultimately, it was Nantes who emerged victorious with a score of 2-1, showcasing their resilience despite missing key players.
The game kicked off with an air of anticipation, as Nantes arrived in Nice without captain Pedro Chirivella, who was sidelined due to a hip issue, and Francis Coquelin, who was out with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Jean-Charles Castelletto was suspended, leaving coach Antoine Kombouaré with limited options in the midfield. However, Nantes managed to field a strong lineup, which included Anthony Lopes in goal and a forward trio of Moses Simon, Matthis Abline, and Sorba Thomas.
Nice, looking to capitalize on their home advantage, started the match with high intensity. Despite their efforts, it was Nantes who struck first. In the 10th minute, Douglas Augusto found the back of the net with a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box, putting Nantes ahead 1-0. The goal was assisted by Moses Simon, who delivered a perfect setup. This early lead set the tone for Nantes, who were eager to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.
Nice responded quickly, aiming to equalize. Their persistence paid off in the 13th minute when Ali Abdi leveled the score with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Hicham Boudaoui. The match was now tied at 1-1, and both teams continued to push for dominance.
As the first half progressed, Nice created several scoring opportunities, but they struggled to convert. Gaëtan Laborde had a close header saved in the 12th minute, and a series of attempts from outside the box were either blocked or saved by Lopes, who was in fine form. Nantes, on the other hand, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Matthis Abline and Moses Simon testing Nice's defense.
The second half began with a flurry of substitutions. Nantes made tactical changes, bringing on Johann Lepenant and Sékou Doucouré to bolster their midfield. Nice also made adjustments, introducing Terem Moffi to add firepower to their attack. However, the game remained tightly contested, with both sides exchanging chances.
In the 37th minute, Matthis Abline restored Nantes' lead with a well-timed left-footed shot from the left side of the box, following a corner kick. This goal, which made it 2-1, was a testament to Nantes' ability to capitalize on set pieces and their overall tenacity in front of goal.
With time running out, Nice ramped up their offensive efforts in search of an equalizer. In the 90th minute, Youssouf Ndayishimiye had a chance to score but missed from outside the box, sending the ball wide of the target. Shortly after, Terem Moffi’s header from close range was saved by Lopes, who continued to be a standout performer for Nantes.
Despite Nice's late pressure, Nantes held firm, with their defense absorbing the onslaught and maintaining composure. The final whistle confirmed Nantes' hard-fought victory, a result that not only boosted their confidence but also provided a much-needed three points in their quest for a higher league standing.
In post-match comments, Nantes' coach Antoine Kombouaré expressed pride in his team's performance, especially given the circumstances. "We came here with a lot of challenges, missing key players, but the boys showed great spirit and determination. This win is crucial for us as we move forward in the season," he stated.
On the other side, Nice's coach faced questions about his team's inability to convert chances. "We created enough opportunities to win the game, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. We have to learn from this and improve," he remarked, highlighting the need for his players to step up in future matches.
This match showcased the unpredictability of Ligue 1, where any team can emerge victorious on any given day. With Nantes securing this important win, they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while Nice will need to regroup and reassess their strategies as they aim to return to winning ways.
