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Despite a huge performance, Le Gym fell to defeat against Paris during matchday 30 of L1 (1-2). Playing well and courageously, their downfall, however, was a goal from Daniel Alves in the last 10 minutes.

It was a Sunday to get out the flags, puff out the chest and to pull up the sleeves. It was also a Sunday to show that, no matter who they face, Le Gym remain loyal to their philosophy and love of the game. Against a strong Paris side, the future champions wearing yellow, the Aiglons put on a show but, unfortunately lost the game in the dying moments, when the fixture could easily have fallen either way.

By parking the bus in front of Benitez’s goal? By playing it safe? By trembling? No, no and no! Self-assured, Lucien Favre’s side played in its own way. Looked to link up, to play out from the back, to make the Franciliens run. And of course, the Allianz, which had sold out, loved it and took great delight in the Aiglons’ performance.

Agressive when needed, Nice played by moving forward, even when they needed to defend. They troubled their opponent but also has a slice of luck when, just before the fifteen minute mark, Verratti stole the ball from Cyprien’s feet, found Cavani, and the Uruguayan successively found Benitez’s gloves and then his post. Just after this chance, the Niçois delighted as they saw their side take the lead. Maxime Le Marchand, once again starting on the left of the back four, chipped up to Super Mario. In the centre circle, the Italian chested down to Plea, who played Saint-Maximin into space. The stadium rose to its feet as the rocket ate up the space. The youngster left Berchiche in his wake and calmly finished into the back of the net, causing scenes of joys that can’t be described with words (1-0, 17’).

Paris equalised quickly, after a sole effort from Di Maria, who beat Dante before finishing with the outside of his foot (1-1, 21’). The Argentine – who called his countryman (Benitez) into action with a sublime back-heel, just before the equaliser - was the most dangerous, technical and inspired Parisian of the match. He planted a corner onto the head of Rabiot, who missed the target shortly after the Argentine had scored.

At the end of the half, Super Mario, whose physicality tested the Silva – Kimpembe duo, missed the target, and the 22 players headed into the dressing rooms on level terms.

The dreaded bar...

Set-up in the same systems (4-3-3), the two sides continued to sting each other after the return to the pitch. Cyprien, playing in front of the back four, perfectly found Saint-Maximin after 5 minutes of the second half. The rocket - in excellent form - beat Kurzawa (who came on at half-time for Berchiche) but couldn’t find a way beyond Areola (50’).

Benitez turned an Alves effort over the bar (61'). As the minutes went by, spaces opened up for the two sides looking for the victory. St-Max' - as always - beat Kurzawa in the dual, and found Balotelli. Il Signore struck first time but Areola was there to turn away (63'). 

Sensing that the danger was nesting in the spaces, Le Gym tried to reduce the gaps when defending. And continued to attack as they searched for the three points.

A free-kick from 20 metres out once again got the home crowd on their feet, but Mario missed the target (70'). In the minutes that followed, he crashed the ball against the bar with a header from a corner (75'). The turning point of the match...

Benitez caught a strike from Di Maria and Mbappé - who was playing through the middle with 15 minutes to go - missed the target just before the 80th minute.

The 2 sides continued to attack during the closing stages of the game. Each with their own weapons. A feeling of K.O. filled the air. Daniel Alves, playing slightly further up the pitch after Meunier had come on, finally secured the win for the Parisians after converting a cross from Mbappé with his head (1-2, 83'). 

A cruel end to a huge performance from the Aiglons. A performance that they will need to build on in order to meet their objectives for the end of the season. 

C.D.