hanks to a marvellous goal from Pierre Lees-Melou, OGC Nice found a way past a solid Montpellier side (1-0). With four games left in the league, it takes them to 5th place in Ligue 1.

Everything was tough and a battle throughout. But under glorious sunshine, Lucien Favre’s squad didn’t disappoint. Even better, they accepted the challenge brought by an opponent that is entirely at ease without the ball, adapted without questioning their methods, and finally earned a precious win in the race for Europe, thanks to an excellent strike.

From the very get go, Montpellier played in “a combative formation”, closing the lines and sitting behind the ball. A slight difference, Michel Der Zakarian changed from his usual 5-3-2 to a 4-2-3-1, set-up to frustrate the Red and Black midfield. The bet paid off (at first) for the Montpellier coach. Not at ease with their back to the game, with short (and delicate) passing in front of the back four, the Skhiri – Piriz duo did look questionable at times. But they were able to defend by moving forward, mainly through the robust Sio and the very active Sambia.

And what were the Gym doing during that time? During the first period, they were first unable to put enough pace into their passing to threaten the second best defence in the country. They benefitted from the support of their fans, Saint-Maximin’s legs and the vision of Mario to increase the pressure, just before the break.

For all that, very few clear cut chances were created to separate the two sides in a tactical and physical first half. Skhiri just missed the target with a very smart strike (13’). Sio had two headers, the first was caught by Benitez (30’) and the second went wide (34’).

For Nice, Mario, constantly battling, struck beautifully, but his effort just missed the target (37’). Saint-Maximin, who caused problem after problem for Congré, was denied by Lecomte after a good cross from Lees-Melou (40’). Then Dante and Mario tried their luck from a corner, but the battle was won by the opposition’s goalkeeper.

Cannon strike

It was written that the difference would be made in the heart. The victory would be decided by desire, through aggressiveness. The Gym returned to the pitch with desire and aggressiveness. Plea, tried his luck from inside the box with the outside of his foot, but he missed the target (56'). A prelude to the only goal of the encounter...

Straight after, Saint-Maximin, who had moved out to the left, intercepted a pass from Mukiele (which just goes to confirm the difficulties that MHSC had with the first pass...) and quickly played in Lees-Melou. Mr Pierre set himself up, travelled with the ball and struck firmly towards goal. The ball bounced once, picked up speed and ended in the back of Lecomte’s net (1-0, 59'). 

The Gym had done the most difficult thing. They tried to put the game to bed, but didn’t manage to find a second goal. Something that kept the 21,285 fans in the Allianz under enormous pressure.

Saint-Maximin, (again), sent a chance just over the bar (67'), and Lucien Favre’s side refused to sit back, learning from the mistakes of recent games.

Seri saw his effort blocked by the Montpellier defence. Lecomte pushed away ‘ASM’’s strike (77'). And in the final minutes of the game, the Aiglons stood strong alongside the immense Dante, to hold on to their lead and in the end, earn their victory in Matchday 34 of the league. 

The perfect way to get going in the final sprint…

C.D.

 

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