Two goals up thanks to Ounas and Dolberg, Le Gym had to settle for a point at home to Brest (2-2).

Having lost 3-1 at home to Nîmes and then battled to a 2-0 win at Toulouse, the Niçois were looking for reassurance at home to the Bretons on Friday.

Their initial attempts to break down their compact visitors proved in vain. Danilo, playing in a hybrid role between the defence and the middle of the pitch, tried to add his weight to the midfield as the hosts sought the breakthrough.

Larsonneur nipped in ahead of Ganago (10') and Nsoki's cross (11') was dealt with by the Breton defence even if Danilo — from a Claude-Maurice corner — would have got the opening goal had Larsonneur not grabbed his header (12').

Chardonnet had sent a shot over the Nice bar from a quickly taken corner (7'), but it was Patrick Vieira's men who would provide the first goal. Ganago went round one man on the left before finding Claude-Maurice. His cross was helped on by Dolberg and Ounas pounced at the back post (1-0, 23'). The Algeria international became the club's 16th league scorer this season having already netted twice in the Coupe de France.

Ten minutes later, the roles were reversed as the Niçois made the difference on the counter-attack. Dolberg held the ball up for Ounas, who then picked out Claude-Maurice. The return ball dropped for Dolberg to measure a firm shot beyond the reach of Larsonner from outside the penalty area (2-0, 33').

The visitors upped the tempo as the interval approached, and they pulled one back in the dying moments of the half. Benitez managed to push out a Court effort, but could only get a touch on Grandsir's follow-up (2-1, 45').

The hosts started the second half in determined mood. Ganago (47’), Claude-Maurice (48’) and Lees-Melou (48’) fired wide before Lady Luck turned against them, and Dante deflected a shot into his own goal (2-2, 53'). The arrivals of Lusamba and Myziane did not help the hosts, though the latter — following a one-two with Herelle — did get a shot on target (76'). Despite several other attemps late in the game, the Niçois had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The match in pictures

​Adam Ounas battling with Romain Perraud

Danilo gets an effort on goal (12')

Larsonneur beats Ignatius Ganago in the air

Les Aiglons celebrate the opener (Ounas, 1-0, 23')

Danilo nips in ahead of Battocchio

​Dante sends the ball past Benitez to level for Brest (2-2, 53')

Dante dominates in the air

Christophe Herelle, chased by Charbonnier, makes his way into the box

---