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Struggling in the first half, the Aiglons were able to get back into the match after the break, but without managing to take home the three points.

The Gym, overtaken by ASSE yesterday (win at Montpellier 1-0) and Racing, who hadn’t won in two months and could feel the chasing pack close on their tails, couldn’t afford to drop points at the Meinau on Saturday evening. In the end, the share of the spoils which although seemed to be fair, given that each side had the better of a half, won’t please either side. The Gym drop one place in the league (whilst still waiting for the Rennes match tomorrow), and Strasbourg see the relegation zone just two points behind them after wins for Troyes and Lille.

En attendant le résultat de #SRFCTFC (ce dimanche à 15h), le Gym est e de @Ligue1Conforama.#RCSAOGCN pic.twitter.com/0eO798jf11

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) April 28, 2018

To replace the suspended Plea, Lucien Favre chose to start Ihsan Sacko against his former club, for his third start of the season. In a sold-out ground, Racing started the game with a direct style which put the Aiglons under pressure from the get go. The Nice supporters were worried by a cross from Corgnet which Dante and Benitez struggled to deal with, thankfully, without consequence (7'). In the same way as they couldn’t watch as Marlon’s slip left a gap for Bahoken, but he didn’t make the most of the chance and didn’t find the target (16').

The Strasbourgeois were, however, rewarded for the strong start in the 21st minute after a counter lead by Bahoken down the right wing allowed him to cross perfectly for Saadi. The Blue and White’s forward got in front of Marlon and headed perfectly into the back of Benitez’s net (1-0, 21').

The reaction from the Niçois was rather timid and apart from an effort from Tameze (35'), the home side’s goalkeeper was untroubled. The Red and Blacks would have to wait until the 43rd minute to create their first real chance after Saint-Maximin broke down the right and found his Italian colleague withdrawn in the box. Super Mario’s effort along the ground called Oukidja into action, but the keeper got down well to save.

At the break, Sarr replaced Marlon and Lucien Favre’s side came back out with better intentions, playing higher up the pitch. Sacko got in behind Foulquier but was brought down without the referee reacting. There wasn’t a huge amount in it, but it proved costly for the former Strasbourg man, who was injured in the clash. The youngster was forced off and replaced by Le Bihan. A few seconds after the change, a short corner taken by Lees-Melou found Seri, and the Ivorian surprised Bahoken with a strong piece of control and was then brought down. A gift from above which Mario Balotelli didn’t refuse, as he buried his penalty to put the two side’s on level terms and confirmed the strong start his side had made to the second half.

Clearly tired by their high pressing during the first half, Racing let the Aiglons have the bulk of the ball. The battles became more and more intense and Balotelli on two occasions was just inches away from giving his side the lead. But the Italian was denied by an excellent Alexandre Oukidja who pushed his effort away (76') before tipping a smart strike over the bar (89'). The Gym, who have lacked fortune this season, could have hoped for a bit of luck in the dying moments of the game after Lees-Melou’s cross was blocked and bounced towards goal… only to strike Oukidja’s post.

In eight days, it’s at the Vélodrome that the Red and Blacks will continue to push for their European dream.

A.D.

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