Nice 0-1 Reims

The Gym caught out by its start

After conceding a hasty early goal, the Gym couldn’t manage to turn the game around agaisnt Reims, and fell to defeat in the side’s first game of the season (0-1).

To concede a goal and then to chase for an equaliser against an extremely compact side. The trap was clear and, once they had fallen into it, it was always going to be a challenge to get out of it. Like in a bad story, the Aiglons complicated things in the 2nd minute, when they allowed the Rémois too much space, and they made no mistake and converted that space into a lead, and then the lead into a win.

The very active Doumbia cut inside from the left, and beat two Azuréens, before striking strongly towards the near post. Cardinale, returning to the starting 11, couldn’t prevent the strike from hitting the back of the net.

Set-up in a 4-3-3 when defending, and in a 3-6-1 with wingers keeping wide when attacking, Patrick Vieira’s side kept possession and looked to break down the Reims block… but couldn’t find a way through the Champenois side.

After 45 minutes, the Rouge and Noirs hadn’t created any clear-cut chances. A strike from Lees-Melou was deflected and missed the target (9’); a run from Atal, who beat 3 opponents on his way, was brought to an end by Mendy (18’); Cyprien’s strike lacked accuracy (27’); and Danilo’s header lacked power (37’). Tameze’s effort also missed the target (38’) just before the break.

The Champions of L2 last season, were playing in a 4-2-3-1, and perfectly followed their game plan, whilst creating a couple of tense moments at the other end of the pitch. Some smart play from the visitors saw Doumbia strike firmly once again, but Cardi’ was equal to it and punched over the bar (29’). In the minutes that followed, Chavarria then missed the target with a volley (30’).

A revolt but a lack of effectiveness

Saint-Maximin led the revolt from the very beginning of the second half. Often playing through the middle, the number 7 struck firmly along the ground shortly after returning from the dressing rooms. Mendy got down to stop and the ball deflected back into the box, but the stopper was able to react quickly to deny Srarfi, who had a slight misunderstanding with Cyprien as he struck (50'). 

This first huge opportunity set the tone for the Niçois. This was confirmed as the minutes went by. Coach Vieira brought on Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, a pure number 9, up-front on the hour mark, which allowed "ASM" to take his place on the left wing. The effects were immediate: Saint-Max' found Cyprien, who passed superbly to Lees-Melou, whose strike found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside (61').

The men from the Comté added conviction and rhythm to every move. Their visitors would barely leave their own half. The minutes went by, stretching the lines, testing the bodies. The Gym pushed, but Lees-Melou was just unable to get onto the end of a cross sent in by Atal (82'), and the dice had been thrown.

The Gym now leave this first game of the new season punished by a slow start. With, of course, regrets and a desire to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible, in order to get the season going.

C.D.

Nice, Allianz Riviera,
OGC Nice 0-1 Stade de Reims (0-1 at half-time)

1st game of L1 - 11/08/2018

Referee: Johan Hamel

Goals: Doumbia for Reims (3')

Yellow cards: Cyprien (89') for Nice; Doumbia (23') for Reims

OGC Nice: Cardinale - Atal, Hérelle, Dante (cap), Boscagli (Makengo 82') - Tameze, Danilo (Sacko 90'), Cyprien - Lees-Melou, Srarfi (Diaby-Fadiga 60'), Saint-Maximin. 

Stade de Reims: Mendy - Métanire, Fontaine, Abdelhamid, Konan - Romao, Chavalerin - Oudin (Ndom 76'), Martin (cap) (Cafaro 69'), Doumbia - Chavarria (Kyei 89').