OGC Nice faced off against FC Nantes on Friday night at the Allianz Riviera, looking to end a three-game winless streak in Ligue 1. However, the home side fell short, losing 2-1 to the visitors, who managed to secure a vital victory in their fight against relegation.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to make an impact. Nantes struck first with a stunning goal from Douglas Augusto in the 15th minute, who fired a left-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Moses Simon. This early goal put Nice on the back foot as they sought to respond quickly.
Nice, currently sitting in fourth place in the league standings, had not won since March 1, 2025, and their struggles continued as they failed to capitalize on home advantage. Despite having a solid record at the Allianz Riviera, where they were joint-fourth in the home table, the absence of key players proved detrimental.
Captain Dante was serving a suspension following a red card in the previous match against AS Monaco, while left-back Melvin Bard was also sidelined due to a two-match ban. Tanguy Ndombele remained out with a groin injury, further complicating Nice's lineup. Mohamed Abdelmonem stepped in to replace Dante, and Ali Abdi took Bard's place at wing-back.
Nice finally found an equalizer in the 35th minute when Ali Abdi scored with a well-placed left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Hicham Boudaoui. This goal reignited hope for the home fans, who were eager to see their team turn the tide.
However, the second half saw Nantes regain control. Matthis Abline restored their lead in the 57th minute with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, following a corner. This goal was crucial for Nantes, who were battling to avoid relegation, sitting just three points above the relegation play-off place before the match.
Despite some promising chances, including a header from Terem Moffi who had just returned from a long injury layoff, Nice could not find the back of the net again. Moffi, who had been sidelined for 314 days due to a cruciate ligament injury, started the match on the bench but was brought on in the second half as Nice pushed for an equalizer.
Throughout the match, Nice struggled to convert their possession into clear scoring opportunities. They managed to create several chances, with Gaetan Laborde and Jérémie Boga both coming close, but they were unable to find the finishing touch. At the same time, Nantes' defense held firm, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes making several crucial saves to deny the home side.
In terms of statistics, Nice outperformed Nantes in several areas, including total shots and possession, yet they could not translate this into goals. Nice had 12 shots on target compared to Nantes' six, but the visitors made their chances count. The match ended with Nice having 56% possession, yet they left the field disappointed.
Defensively, Nice has shown vulnerabilities, having conceded 46 goals this season, which ranks them among the higher conceders in Ligue 1. Their -15 goal differential places them at a disadvantage as they look to secure a top-two finish, which now seems increasingly unlikely.
Nantes' victory was a much-needed boost for their morale as they aim to climb away from the relegation zone. They have struggled this season, with only six wins in 27 matches, but this win could be a turning point for them. With their next match against Strasbourg on April 12, 2025, they will hope to build on this momentum.
As for Nice, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Angers on April 20, 2025. Coach Franck Haise will have to address the team's defensive frailties and find a way to get his side back to winning ways after a disappointing run of form.
In summary, the match showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs. While Nice continues to struggle, Nantes capitalized on their opportunities to secure a vital three points. The implications of this match will resonate as both teams look to navigate the remainder of the season.
