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In its first match of the month of March, the Gym took a step forward. Dominating before the break, then solid after, the Red and Blacks ensured a victory by the smallest of margins in Week 27 of Ligue 1, thanks to a goal from Youcef Atal (1-0).

The features

A desire to turn the tide, to leave behind them two difficult away fixtures and to continue their form at home. This was the situation for the Aiglons at kick-off. This is what drove them forward for 90 minutes. Agressive, combative, a desire to play, the Gym, driven by an imperious Dante, found all of the necessary ingredients to go out and get the three points. Starting with the most important: application in their battles. Well set-up, the home side closed down the space and attacked with pace during the first 45 minutes, before rolling up their sleeves to hold onto the win.

The result? They didn’t shake in the first half - apart from a blocked strike from Da Costa by Dante - and put the Alsaciens under pressure. After an impressive effort which went just over (5’), Saint-Maximin played in Atal to get a deserved opener (20’). The Red and Blacks pushed forward and didn’t forget to support the defence. Starting up-front and putting in an impressive performance, Makengo almost doubled the lead, thanks to work from the impressive Danilo, but Sels stopped JV’s strike (28’). Cyprien’s effort from distance was blocked by the body of the opposition. At the break, the lead was deserved. Half of the work had been done, and with panache.

The second half saw the Aiglons play with heart. The coach changed systems to reinforce the defence (see below) and the Gym held on, remaining dangerous at set-pieces. After 3 minutes, Atal crossed for Saint-Maximin, in a similar move to the goal, but ASM’s header went just over the bar. After this, Strasbourg took possession of the ball, but the Gym stood strong. The Aiglons almost doubled the lead thanks to another impressive piece of work from Saint-Maximin, who beat two defenders and crossed, but Danilo couldn’t get on the end of it (69'). Nice rallied round and faced up to the Alsacien attacks without being troubled. The electricity at the end of the match (Danilo and Grandsir were both sent off after a coming together) made no difference to the score.

Vieira’s choices

Coach Vieira pulled a 4-1-4-1 out of the bag– or a 4-3-3, depending on your way of viewing things - to dominate the fixture in the first half, before changing to a 5-4-1 in the second. His choices paid off.

First half

At the back, Hérelle’s speed and Dante’s reading of the game reassured the troops. Starting on the right, Pelmard did his job with impressive maturity, just as Sarr did on the other side. In the middle, Cyprien started in front of the back four, alongside a very attacking Danilo and an equally active Lees-Melou. Finally, up-front, the men on the wings made a difference. 

Atal played slightly further forward than he is used to, and he caused endless problems for Liénard and allowed the Gym to take a hold of the game.

On the left, Saint-Maximin supported Sarr defensively, with whom he helped to manage Lala. The winger caused plenty of difficulties thanks to his deep, probing runs. Finally, up-front Makengo offered answers by coming back into the middle of the pitch. 

Second half 

Patrick Vieira changed his plans from the start of the second half, opting for a more ‘traditional’ 5-4-1. Sarr moved into the middle, Pelmard went to the left, and Atal moved back slightly. Saint-Max' played through the middle, with Makengo and Danilo off of him. 

With half an hour to go, Burner replaced Pelmard, closing the space on the wing and clearing off his line after a header from Mitrovic (80'). Then Tameze came on to take the place of Makengo to tighten the midfield, and Walter came on after a knock to Saint-Maximin.

Goal

20’ Allan Saint-Maximin had a 1-on-1 with Lala. The number 7 played it perfectly. ASM kept the ball, cut back onto his right and crossed marvellously to the back post, where Atal was prowling like a lion, to score a brilliant goal on the slide. And to mark his return with a fanfare…

Aiglon of the Match

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