In a thrilling encounter at the Meinau Stadium on April 12, 2025, Strasbourg and Nice battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw in Ligue 1, leaving both teams with mixed feelings about the outcome. The match was crucial for Strasbourg, who were looking to solidify their position in the top tier of French football, while Nice aimed to claw their way back into European contention.
The first half saw Nice take the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to a well-placed strike from Melvin Bard. The left-wing back, receiving a precise cross from Jonathan Clauss, controlled the ball before firing a low shot past Strasbourg goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic to make it 1-0. As the teams headed into halftime, Nice looked comfortable, but Strasbourg had shown glimpses of their attacking prowess.
Strasbourg, under the management of Liam Rosenior, came out with renewed energy in the second half. Emanuel Emegha equalized just six minutes after the break, taking advantage of a defensive error from Nice's Bombito. Emegha showcased his strength and precision, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to level the score at 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw turned the game on its head, scoring to give Strasbourg a 2-1 lead. The young striker capitalized on another mistake from Bombito, receiving a pass from Andrey Santos before beating Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka with a confident finish. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Strasbourg appeared to be on track for their sixth consecutive victory.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the dying moments. With the clock ticking down, Nice pushed for an equalizer, creating several chances. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Youssouf Ndayishimiye rose above the Strasbourg defense to head in a corner from Clauss, making it 2-2 in the 90+4 minute. The late goal stunned the home fans, who had been anticipating a crucial victory.
Following the match, Franck Haise, the Nice coach, praised the resilience of his team. “We showed great character to come back in the final moments. This point could be vital for our European aspirations,” he stated. Meanwhile, Rosenior expressed disappointment at conceding late but remained proud of his team's performance. “We played well and had the game in our hands, but we need to learn to manage these situations better,” he reflected.
Despite the draw, Strasbourg remained fifth in the league, now two points ahead of Nice, who climbed to sixth place. The race for European qualification is heating up, with both teams still in contention as the season approaches its climax.
Strasbourg's lineup featured Petrovic in goal, supported by a back three of Doué, Doukouré, and Omobamidele. The midfield included Bakwa, Santos, Diarra, and Barco, while Emegha, Amo-Ameyaw, and Lemaréchal made up the attacking trio. Nice, on the other hand, fielded Bulka as their goalkeeper, with a defense composed of Ndayishimiye, Bombito, and Dante, and an attacking line featuring Guessand, Laborde, and Boga.
The match was not without its controversies, as both teams had moments of frustration. Strasbourg's Bakwa was particularly lively, creating several opportunities, while Nice's Boga came close to scoring on a couple of occasions but was thwarted by Petrovic's sharp reflexes.
As the teams look ahead, Strasbourg will aim to bounce back and secure a vital win in their next fixture, while Nice will hope to build on this momentum as they chase a European spot. The intensity of the match showcased the competitive spirit of Ligue 1, with both teams demonstrating their desire to succeed.
With just a handful of matches remaining in the season, every point counts. Strasbourg will need to tighten their defense to avoid late-game slip-ups, while Nice must continue to capitalize on their chances if they hope to break into the top five. The excitement of the league continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures.
