Nice 0-1 Marseille

The Gym unable to bounce back

Lacking that clinical finish in front of goal, before running out of steam, OGC Nice fell to defeat against OM at the end of Week 10 of  L1 (0-1). The Aiglons were unable to bounce back from their opponent’s goal just before the break, which came against the run of play.

The story could have been beautiful. The crowd, the atmosphere, the game, the chances… But in the end, the story hurts and remains difficult to digest. Unfair. Frustrating. Infuriating. To sum up the first half, you could use whichever adjective you like, because the Gym dominated across the park, but couldn’t find a way past their rivals from the Mediterranean coast, and were then caught out by the only Marseille chance of the game: a strike from a deep Sanson, following a cross from Bouna Sarr, just before the break (0-1, 42’). The Aiglons were unable to find a way back into the game, despite an attacking approach from Patrick Vieira. Worse still, they lost their grip when it was time to accelerate, leaving the opportunity for a below par OM to leave the game with the three points, thanks to a goal from their only shot on target of the evening.

The Aiglons, however, had brought everything to the start of this derby. Accuracy in their passing, especially thanks to the excellent Tameze, tactical intelligence, in a 3-4-1-2, with Myziane in a free role playing between the lines. A few counters, but not enough, despite the acres of space down the wings, where Atal and Boscagli worked endlessly, without always being brought into the game.

There were also chances. Lots. On his return to the starting 11, Mario - interesting in his game - warmed himself up early but lifted his first effort over the bar (6’), then was denied by Mandanda with his second (15’) and his third (23’), as the Marseille keeper perfectly defended his near post to turn away the Italian’s powerful effort. The Italian was then prevented from getting onto the end of an excellent cross from Saint-Maximin sent in from the right (38’)

For the rest, Myziane found the gloves of the French international (9’), as did “ASM”, before the bitterness filled the hearts of the Gym’s fans when their neighbours took the lead. A lead which would prove to be decisive.

The Niçois were hit for six by the opener and almost conceded a second early on in the second half, when Sanson shot first time after a cross from Bouna Sarr, which Atal was able to block (47').

Very quickly, Coach Vieira changed his system, and sent on Danilo to replace Boscagli and moved into a  4-3-3, but the Azuréens struggled to add rhythm to the game. Suiting the visitors down to the ground…

Nice threw everything into the battle in the final 20 minutes. A strong shot from Mario was blocked by a blue leg, and Cyprien’s effort went just wide (73'). The passing became more accurate. The intensity returned, bit by bit. The Allianz began to believe. Coach Vieira sent on another two forwards (Ganago et Srarfi) in the place of a midfielder (Cyprien) and a defender (Sarr); Rudi Garcia sent on two defenders (Caleta-Car and Hubocan) to replace two playmakers (Sanson and Payet), and the home side pushed. A clever half-volley from Dante just crept over the bar (80'). Myziane’s attempt was blocked and flew over the bar (86'), in the same way as Saint-Maximin’s strike (92').

In the end, the spark didn’t come.

It’s down to the Aiglons to recreate it during the next game which sees them travel to  Bordeaux.

C.D.

Nice, Allianz Riviera,
OGC Nice 0-1 Olympique de Marseille (0-1 at half-time)

Week 10 L1 - 21/10/2018

30 754 spectators

Referee: Amaury Delerue

Goals: Sanson (42') for Marseille

Yellow cards: Atal (59'), Dante (85'), Balotelli (88') for Nice; Radonjic (92')

OGC Nice: Benitez - Atal, Hérelle, Dante (cap), Sarr (Srarfi 85'), Boscagli - Tameze, Cyprien (Ganago 78') - Myziane - Saint-Maximin, Balotelli.

O. Marseille: Mandanda - Sarr, Rami, Kamara, Amavi - Lopez, Strootman, Sanson (Caleta-Car 78') - Radonjic, Germain (Mitroglou 90'), Payet (cap) (Hubocan 79').