Who could have predicted what was to come as 2019 came to a close? In 366 days unlike any other, which have troubled society and brought into question the role that football plays in it. Before turning the page to something else, here is a look at the key dates in 2020.

On 2 February, Les Aiglons hosted Lyon on Matchday 22 of Ligue 1. Lyon travelled to Nice after knocking Le Gym out of the Coupe de France three days earlier (1-2). The encounter got going quickly to the delight of the 23 553 supporters who had travelled to the Allianz Riviera. Marçal brought Boudaoui down with a foul that saw the Lyonnais pick up a red card  (22’). At 11 against 10, Nice pushed and then opened the scoring through Kasper Dolberg, after a shot was parried that only he followed in. Despite their numerical disadvantage, OL found the equaliser before Marcelo cleverly got Ounas sent off before the break.

The second half was played at 10 against 10. Spaces opened up and plans went out of the window, and Les Niçois showed incredible guts. A training ground move saw the ball travel from left to right, before Boudaoui crossed into the box. Dolberg tapped home. The Dane brought the Allianz to its feet and ensured Les Gones left the Côte d’Azur empty handed.

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