Nîmes Olympique faced a crucial match against Paris 13 Atletico on Friday evening, April 25, 2025, at the Stade des Antonins, but the encounter ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw. This result leaves Nîmes still fighting to escape the relegation zone as they continue to struggle in the National league during the 2024-2025 season.
The match, part of the 31st matchday of the league, saw an attendance of 2,626 fans. Nîmes needed a victory to bolster their chances of survival, but despite a spirited performance, they could not find the back of the net. Instead, they remain just above the bottom of the table, trailing Paris 13 Atletico by two points.
From the outset, Nîmes appeared determined to secure a win, with players like Salim Akkal and Jonathan Mexique leading the charge. The home side was lively in the first half, creating several opportunities but lacking the finishing touch. Coach Adil Hermach noted the need for “more technical precision in the final pass, the last choice, more application,” as his team failed to convert their chances.
In the early minutes, Nîmes had a close call when Abdeldjelil’s header went over the bar in the 8th minute. Mexique, who was particularly active, tested the Paris goalkeeper with a long-range shot in the 25th minute. The pressure continued, and Abdeldjelil had another attempt in the 30th minute, followed by a powerful strike from Beneddine just before halftime.
Despite their efforts, the Crocos could not capitalize on their chances, while Paris 13 Atletico managed to create two significant opportunities of their own. Nîmes goalkeeper, Ngapandouetnbu, was crucial in keeping the score level, making a series of impressive saves, including a strong hand on Oyongo’s shot in the 21st minute and a vital stop against Karamoko’s header just before halftime.
As the second half began, Nîmes struggled to maintain the momentum they had shown earlier. They were jolted by an early attempt from Oyongo that narrowly missed the target in the 51st minute. The game became increasingly tense, with Nîmes finding it difficult to penetrate the Paris defense. Their first shot on target of the second half only came in the 78th minute, a weak effort from El Hamri that posed no threat to the Paris goalkeeper.
In a moment that could have changed the game, Mexique unleashed a thunderous shot from 35 meters in the 82nd minute, only to see it crash against the crossbar, leaving the Nîmes supporters in disbelief. Coach Hermach lamented, “The bad luck we can’t shake off…” as his team continued to search for a breakthrough.
As the match drew to a close, both teams seemed content with the draw, which favored Paris 13 Atletico more than Nîmes. The visitors, who had come looking for a point, managed to secure it without much threat to their goal.
Throughout the match, Nîmes received two yellow cards, with Labonne cautioned in the 12th minute and Mercier of Paris 13 Atletico booked in the 75th minute. The substitutions made by Hermach, including bringing on Doukansy for Akkal and Khalid for Mexique, were not enough to change the outcome.
Despite the disappointing result, Hermach attempted to keep spirits high, stating, “Mathematically, nothing is done; we can still believe.” As Nîmes prepares for the last three matches of the season, they know they must find a way to convert their chances into goals if they hope to avoid relegation.
The continuing struggles of Nîmes Olympique reflect a season filled with challenges, and each match becomes increasingly critical as they fight to secure their place in the National league. With the pressure mounting, the Crocos will need to rally and find their scoring touch in the coming weeks if they are to achieve their goal of staying in the league.
