OGC Nice rounded off their 2024 Ligue 1 campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Montpellier HSC at the Mosson Stadium on December 15, 2024. The match saw both teams fighting hard to change their fortunes, with Nice aiming to maintain its position near the top and Montpellier desperately needing points to escape the relegation zone.
The game kicked off with both teams showing intent to dominate early on, but it was Nice who struck first. Gaëtan Laborde, back at his former club Montpellier, opened the scoring with a spectacular shot from the edge of the box. He expertly curled the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, giving Nice the lead just 18 minutes in.
Montpellier responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Joris Chotard leveled the game with a powerful header following a well-placed cross from Jordan Ferri. Chotard's goal, his first since the last three seasons, reignited hope for Montpellier fans, who have seen their team struggle this season.
Nice regained the lead shortly after. Just ten minutes later, Badredine Bouanani showcased his skill by weaving through defenders before placing the ball out of reach of Lecomte, restoring Nice's lead at 2-1.
Despite trailing again, Montpellier proved resilient. The team, coached by Jean-Louis Gasset, did not give up and continued to push forward with determination. Their efforts bore fruit late in the match when Théo Sainte-Luce scored the equalizer, tapping in from close range after some quick counter-attacking play. Sainte-Luce's goal came at the 80-minute mark, bringing the score to 2-2, which felt deserved considering the overall play.
The match was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams creating numerous chances. Both clubs registered close calls, with Nice unable to extend their lead earlier due to key defensive plays from Montpellier and excellent saves from Lecomte, who showcased his skills against Laborde and Bouanani, among others.
By the end of the encounter, each team had their fair share of opportunities to secure the win, especially with Montpellier demonstrating great resilience. Though this result did little to help either side's situation—the draw left Montpellier firmly rooted to the bottom of Ligue 1 with just nine points—Nice, now temporarily placed fifth, could not find the breakthrough they desired to pressure the teams above them.
Jean-Louis Gasset, speaking to the media post-match, expressed mixed feelings. "C'est mitigé parce qu'on avait idéalisé de prendre trois points pour notre dernier match à la Mosson en 2024. On va passer Noël à 3, 4 points de la place qu'on veut. Je pense que ça va le faire," he said. Gasset highlighted the team's need to correct small errors moving forward as they approach the second half of the season.
Despite the frustrations of having only drawn, Gasset remains optimistic about the future. "Nous avons montré que nous pouvions rivaliser. Si nous poursuivons sur cette lancée, nous avons encore la possibilité de nous maintenir," he added, emphasizing the importance of keeping morale high.
The tactical battle continued to evolve as the match progressed, with both sides exchanging periods of dominance. After Montpellier leveled, they pressed hard for the win, buoyed by their home crowd, almost clinching victory through near-misses late on.
Montpellier finished the match somewhat encouraged by their spirited performance. The team, which has become accustomed to taking to the field under immense pressure, demonstrated their fighting spirit, perhaps predicting another push as they enter the new calendar year.
Looking to the future, Montpellier will be seeking to convert their hard-fought point against Nice as they aim to push out of the relegation zone when they travel to Lyon on January 4. Meanwhile, Nice, with their European chase still alive, will face Rennes next on January 3, hoping to solidify their place within the top five of Ligue 1.
This encounter leaves both teams with much to ponder as they prepare for the next round of fixtures. Each will hope for improvement and perhaps, finally, the results they desperately need.
