This Friday, April 4, 2025, Nantes stunned Nice with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Ligue 1, showcasing a remarkable performance at the Allianz Riviera. The match, part of the 28th round of the French league, saw Nantes take an early lead, only to be pegged back briefly before sealing their win with a decisive goal.
The action kicked off in the 10th minute when Douglas Augusto opened the scoring for Nantes, striking from outside the area with a precise left-footed shot that nestled just inside the left post. This early goal set the tone for a competitive match, as Nantes aimed to secure crucial points in their fight against relegation.
However, the home side responded quickly. Just three minutes later, in the 13th minute, Ali Abdi equalized for Nice. After a well-placed pass from Hicham Boudaoui, Abdi capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing a left-footed shot into the net from the center of the area. The match was level, and the crowd erupted with excitement.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged chances, but it was Nantes who found the back of the net again. In the 37th minute, Matthis Abline scored what would become the winning goal. Following a corner kick, Abline was perfectly positioned to convert a rebound, sending a left-footed shot into the center of the goal. This goal not only reinstated Nantes' lead but also highlighted Abline's critical role in the match, earning him the title of best player.
The first half concluded with Nantes leading 2-1, a score that reflected their resilience and tactical discipline under coach Antoine Kombouaré.
As the second half commenced, Nice, managed by Franck Haise, made several substitutions in an attempt to turn the tide. Notably, Terem Moffi replaced Gaëtan Laborde in the 71st minute, while Tom Louchet came on for Ali Abdi in the 82nd minute. Despite these changes, Nice struggled to find a breakthrough against a determined Nantes defense.
Throughout the match, Nice had several opportunities to level the score. In the 90th minute, Youssouf Ndayishimiye missed a critical shot from outside the area, sending the ball wide right. Shortly after, Terem Moffi had a header saved from close range, showcasing the pressure Nice applied in the dying moments of the game.
The match concluded with a final score of 2-1 in favor of Nantes, marking a significant victory for the visitors as they continue to fight against relegation. With this win, Nantes now sits at 30 points, while Nice remains in fourth place with 47 points, still vying for a UEFA Champions League spot next season.
Looking ahead, Nantes will face a tough challenge as they prepare to host PSG in their next match, while Nice will travel to Strasbourg, hoping to bounce back from this disappointing home defeat.
This match not only showcased the competitive spirit of Ligue 1 but also highlighted the importance of every point as the season approaches its climax. Nantes' victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football, where every game can yield surprising results.
