Supporter

Rony Lopes, the Aiglon of the qualification

The scorer of Gym's first two goals at Nîmes on Wednesday, Rony Lopes was designated Aiglon of the match for the first time by the rouge et noir supporters. With 80% of the vote, the Portuguese finished well ahead of the other scorer Pierre Lees-Melou (12%) and William Saliba (3%).

In a competition that has smiled on him (7 matches, 4 goals with Lille and Monaco), Rony Lopes was the strongman on the Nice qualification for the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France on Wednesday. Unleashed on the right side of the attack, the Portuguese shone and was a constant menace for the Nîmes defence with his skill and his movement between the lines.

In the 13th minute, after getting the ball, Rony Lopes fund the net with an unstoppable 25-metre shot. After shining with his stronger foot, the former Manchester City player achieved his double using his right foot. Found in behind the defence by Gouiri, he held off the defender and beat Nazih (28').

Behind the double scorer, Pierre Lees-Melou got onto the second step on the podium. Decisive in his most recent outings for Gym (a scorer at Monaco and the provider of an assist against Angers), the captain was once more to the fore at stade des Costières.

On his 6th straight start, he touched the ball 97 times and finished off a team move (81', 1-3) that allowed Gym to restore a 2-goal cushion and guarantee qualification.

Finally, William Saliba closes out the podium. For his 8th start in a Rouge et Noir shirt, the central defender formed a new pairing alongside Robson Bambu. The player loaned by Arsenal once again showed mastery and judiciousness in his interventions, winning all his aerial battles and committing no fouls, before leaving his spot on the field to Todibo after the hour.