In a stadium without fans, and after a day marred by the tragic events in Nice, the Aiglons defeated Hapoël Beer-Sheva (1-0).

The Allianz Riviera welcomed Europa League football back in a solemn atmosphere, some 987 days after the round of 32 fixture against Lokomotiv Moscow (2-3, 15 February 2018). Off the back of a damaging defeat in the first game of the competition in Germany (6-2 away to Bayer), the Rouge et Noir made sure that they grabbed this game by the scruff of the neck. In a dominant first-half performance, the Aiglons dominated proceedings (72% possession) and had the better chances.

In the 6th minute, the home team got their first opportunity when Claude-Maurice’s back post cross was hit wide by Kamara (6’).

A prominent figure on the wing, Atal was the home team’s main outlet in the first half and in the 22nd minute the Algerian made the breakthrough. His perfect cross was volleyed past the keeper by Gouiri at the back post. It was Atal’s first assist of the season, and Gouiri’s fifth goal of the campaign (1-0).

Although they were buoyed by the opener, Patrick Vieira’s men were still given a scare just before the break when keeper Benitez palmed away the Israelis’ only chance of the half.

In a more physical second period the best chances fell to the Aiglons once more. On the hour, and just, a few moments before Jeff Reine-Adélaïde replaced him, Gouiri couldn’t quite get a shot away after chesting down Kamara’s cross. In the 75th minute, Dolberg found himself one on one after being released by Thuram, but was denied by the keeper.

Resilient right to the final whistle, the Rouge et Noir held onto their one goal lead thanks to a last-minute stop by Benitez (90’+3). In doing so they recorded their first Europa League victory of the campaign.

The Aiglons will be back in domestic action away at Angers on Sunday (15:00 CET).

The match in pictures:

Hassane Kamara

​Youcef Atal

​The Algerian defender got the assist for the opener.

Hassane Kamara with goalscorer Amine Gouiri

Kasper Dolberg takes a shot

Amine Gouiri

A first taste of Europa League football for Jeff Reine-Adelaïde

A 72nd European appearance for the captain Dante

Photos : A.D.

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