Nice 2-1 Lille

The big thaw

It’s back on for Le Gym! In what was a stressful evening, Lucien Favre’s side lead the game, saw LOSC get back on level terms, but pushed on to get in front once more. A goal from Cyprien was the reward for their good intentions and allowed the Aiglons to leave match day 28 with the three points. It also brings an end to the bad run they have been on since 27 January.

Was it the cold? The uncertain scenario? The fear that, if they lacked a break, Le Gym could be pegged back? On Friday, there was definitely a bit of that in the air during the 96 minutes of play. But the Aiglons secured the most important thing: the victory. After an impressive start during which Super Mario headed home from a Cyprien corner (1-0, 5’), Lucien Favre’s side didn’t manage to sink their opponent, until the decisive 80th minute. However, they clearly dominated proceedings, lead by an in-form Allan Saint-Maximin.

Starting on the right of the attacking trio, the number 7 tortured Ballo-Touré during the first 45 minutes. On the 15 minute mark, he cut inside and broke into the box, then went onto the outside, but could only find the gloves of Maignan at the end of the move. Before that Mario had also found the gloves of the PSG academy graduate (10’). Shortly after, Mika Seri didn’t make the most of one of his crosses, because the Ivorian’s effort lacked power.

Despite the possession and territorial domination, Le Gym were troubled by the Northerners’ quick attacks. They set up deep to defend but Christophe Galtier’s (playing in a 4-2-3-1) exploded every time they won back the ball, thanks to their wide men (Pépé on the right and Araujo on the left). Every effort from the home side would be followed by a quick attack from LOSC. Dante came to the rescue on two occasions in the first half, then Mothiba missed the target after Cyprien had lost the ball (23’). And despite a series of corners for the Niçois at the end of the half, the Red and Black fans welcomed half-time with a degree of anxiousness.

Souquet, what an entrance!

The anxiety was made worse after the return from the dressing room. The reason? A one-two over 50 metres between Araujo and Pépé, who then found Araujo again to get the equaliser. Already having scored in the Coupe de la Ligue, Araujo made the most of the passive attitude of the Red and Black defence and opened up with his right foot (1-1, 51’). Everything was to be redone for the Aiglons. They tried to bounce back quickly, but missed a series of opportunities.

Which opportunities? A cross from Plea on the left was turned away for a corner by Ballo-Touré (54’). A delivery from Coly – at ease in attack – was met by Balotelli but boxed away by Maignan (58’). Tameze’s volley was cleared off the line by Maia; an effort from Seri flew over (59’); a strike from Balotelli slipped wide (63’); then another attempt from the Italian - who was played in well by Saint-Maximin - could only find the Lille keeper (78')...

Despite these misses, Le Gym were proved right to have maintained their belief. Not dropping their arms or their heads. Lucien Favre called upon a returning player: Arnaud Souquet. A superb piece of coaching, given that the former Lille defender ate up ground like a bomb. And just as he did not all that long ago, he bombed on with his first move, received the ball from Saint-Maximin, lifted his head, crossed marvellously to the back post. The cross was converted by Wylan Cyprien, who secured the victory for his side (2-1, 80')

Le Gym closed the door, and finally obtained 3 precious points thanks to a monstrous stop from Benitez to deny Ié’s header in added time (93').

Having negotiated a potentially tricky match in the right way, they can now look forward.

Hoping that after the thawing comes the good weather…

C.D.

Nice, Allianz Riviera,
OGC Nice 2-1 Lille OSC (1-0 half-time)

Matchday 28 of L1 - 02/03/2018

20 314 spectators

Referee: Thomas Léonard 

Goals: Balotelli (5'), Cyprien (80') for Nice; Araujo (51') for Lille.

Yellow cards: Marlon (5'), Tameze (29'), Cyprien (29'), Coly (74') for Nice; Mothiba (35') for Lille. 

Red cards:

OGC Nice : Benitez - Burner, Marlon, Dante (cap), Coly (Souquet 78') - Cyprien, Tameze, Seri - Saint-Maximin (Sacko 96'), Balotelli, Plea. 

Lille OSC : Maignan - Ié, Soumaoro, Alonso, Ballo-Touré - Amadou (cap) (Soumaré 72'), Maia - Pépé, Benzia (Faraj 86'), Araujo (Mendes 86') - Mothiba.