Allianz Riviera

Unbeaten for a year

28 février 2017, 10h49

All ambition begins at home. On Friday, against Montpellier, the Gym completed a symbolic achievement: one year unbeaten in the league at the Allianz Riviera. At the same time, showing a team spirit that proves that they refuse to be beaten. Even more so at home, in a stadium that is beginning to become a fortress.

16 wins, 3 draws, the record continues

The start of this beautiful record at home began after a rather dark evening. 26 February 2016, the Aiglons played host to Bastia, for a rather different derby. They were tricked by the men from Corsica who perfectly played out their game-plan, and scored two in five minutes (through Diallo and Ayité) and the Aiglons were left to mill over their frustration as they left to pitch. A sour taste left in their mouths. One year later, the Allianz has gotten older and grown in size and muscle. It comes out of its shell each time it is bitten in a sort of protective reflex. A red and black reflex.

Since that terrible derby, the Aiglons, bridging over two seasons, have secured 16 victories and have shared the points on three occasions (against Lille, Bastia and Metz) at home. A chapter that breaks records because the squad of 2016/2017 now has the most successful record at home after 27 games. The previous one, thanks to an incredible finale, was achieved with the third-placed finish in the league.

This application during their games at home embodies one of the safety valves of the two squads who both built a fabulous run of games on that form.

Some outstanding stories

The addition of the 12th man is often given great importance by the natives of the Côte d’Azur. At a moment in which each point can be crucial, having the support of the Plaine du Var has regularly made the difference. Either by crushing the opponents in times of war (Rennes and Saint-Etienne last season and Monaco this year); or by turning round difficult and almost impossible situations. A tactic that is still very current, as was witnessed in the game prised from the grasp of Montpellier late in Friday’s game, just as it was against Marseille or Lorient this season, all arising out of extraordinary situations...

For the last year, the Niçois have enjoyed the majority of the Gym’s outings at home. They did, however, witness defeats at home in the Europa League (against Schalke and Salzburg), which shows the margin to turn game rounds remains tight… but decisive.

A stat that is important because it is together that work is done, on the pitch or in the stands, and this will shape the rest of the side’s encounters.

And as we have all understood, to continue with their ambitions...