In a thrilling encounter on April 4, 2025, Nantes pulled off a stunning victory against Nice in the 28th round of Ligue 1, winning 2-1 at the Allianz Riviera. The match saw Nantes score twice in the first half, with Duglas and Mattis Ablin finding the back of the net, while Nice managed to equalize temporarily through Ali Abdi.
The match kicked off with high energy as both teams looked to assert their dominance. Nantes struck first in the 11th minute when Duglas Augusto capitalized on a defensive error, slotting the ball past Nice's goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. The early goal set the tone for Nantes, who were eager to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Just three minutes later, Nice responded with a well-timed attack. Ali Abdi leveled the score at 1-1, showcasing his skill with a precise finish that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. However, the joy for Nice was short-lived as Nantes regained the lead in the 38th minute. Mattis Ablin scored with a brilliant header from a corner kick, restoring Nantes' advantage.
As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 2-1 in favor of Nantes. The visitors entered the halftime break with a crucial lead, while Nice was left to regroup and strategize for the second half.
In the second half, Nice made several tactical changes, hoping to find an equalizer. The home side's coach introduced fresh legs, including Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi, to inject some urgency into their attack. Despite their efforts, the Nantes defense held firm, with goalkeeper Antoni Lopes making several key saves to deny Nice any clear chances.
Nantes, now sitting comfortably in 13th place with 30 points, celebrated the victory, which marked a significant step away from the relegation zone, creating a six-point cushion. Coach Antoine Kombouaré praised his team's resilience and ability to execute their game plan effectively. "We came here with a mindset to win, and the boys delivered a fantastic performance," he stated after the match.
Meanwhile, Nice remained in fourth place with 47 points, still in contention for European qualification but facing pressure from teams below them. Coach Francesco Farioli expressed his disappointment with the result, stating, "We need to learn from this match. We had our chances but couldn't convert them into goals. We must be more clinical moving forward."
The match also featured some intense moments, including yellow cards for Moise Bombito and Saidu Sow, which added to the competitive atmosphere on the pitch. As the final whistle blew, Nantes celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Nice faced the reality of needing to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
This match not only showcased the unpredictability of Ligue 1 but also highlighted the importance of every point as the season progresses. With teams vying for both European spots and battling relegation, the stakes are higher than ever.
Looking ahead, Nantes will aim to build on this momentum in their next match, while Nice will need to regroup quickly to maintain their position in the top tier of French football. The excitement of Ligue 1 continues as each matchday brings new challenges and opportunities for teams across the league.
