On Friday, OGC Nice and FC Lausanne-Sport cancelled each other out during a friendly at the start of this international break (0-0).

The features of the game

Les Niçois pressed high up the pitch from the get go, preventing the current leaders of the Challenge League (Swiss D2) from coming out from the back with the ball. Claude-Maurice (1') and Danilo (12') had the first opportunities of the game, but the former Lorient man’s effort missed the target and the Brazilian’s strike lacked the power to trouble Diaw. A minute later, the two of them found themselves involved in a free-kick in the danger zone. The number 18 found Danilo’s head, six metres out, but the ball flew over the bar (13').

At the other end, the Nice defence left next to no spaces for the best attacking side in the Challenge League (26 goals in 10 matches), with youngsters Assoumani and Fargeas showing excellent commitment alongside Dante and Malang Sarr.

Apart from the moment when Oliveira saw a goal disallowed for offside (20'), a great stop to deny Oliveira (31'), and a block by Assoumani to prevent Koura (44'), Clémentia had a calm first half in between the sticks.  

Pierret and Mahou came on at half-time (see below) and tried to change the shape of the game. But, apart from a free-kick from Danilo (53') and a crossed shot from Gameiro (74'), Patrick Vieira‘s side didn’t put Diaw under pressure. 

The rhythm of the game dropped off towards the end of the game with a raft of substitutions for the home side - Le Gym finished the game with eleven graduates of the club’s academy -, but that didn’t stop Les Lausannois from pushing on. Giorgio Contini‘s side came close, but Dominguez‘s effort just crept over the bar (89').

At the end of a game which gave game time to players who have lacked opportunities and also allowed the club’s youngsters a chance to show what they are made of, Le Gym and LS left the field on level terms. As good friends. 

Patrick Vieira’s choices 

As he has done in the first nine matches of Ligue 1, Coach Vieira opted for a 4-3-3 to face  FC Lausanne-Sport. With a young starting eleven and several reserve team players playing for first time.

Clémentia, who started on two occasions at the start of the 2019-20 season, started in goal, behind a central defensive duo of Assoumani and Dante. Fargeas (20 years old) and Sarr played at full back.

A trio of Lusamba - Tameze - Danilo occupied the midfield spots.

Myziane played through the middle of the attack, flanked by Brazão and Claude-Maurice on the wings.

At the break, Pierret (19 years old) and Mahou (20 years old) replaced Lusamba and Brazão respectively. Dante and Claude-Maurice made way after an hour, to be replaced by Prso (18 years old) and Gameiro (20). Sarr moved into the middle of the defence, whilst the son of the former Croatian international played at left back. 

Three other youngsters got their chances in the second half: Paul Wade, Jawad Dramé and Thomas Valtriani, replaced Danilo, Tameze and Myziane.

It’s worth noting that Patrick Vieira allowed Benitez, Burner, Lees-Melou and Cyprien a chance to rest, while those on international duty and those currently undergoing their recovery from injury didn’t feature in the matchday squad. 

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