Les Aiglons completed their calendar of pre-season friendly matches on Wednesday with a fourth win, 3-2 over English Championship outfit Sheffield United, at the OGC Nice training centre in front of around 500 Gym supporters.

A week out from the third preliminary round home leg qualifier of the UEFA Champions League against Benfica, Le Gym took on Sheffield United in their final pre-season training match. After falling behind early, Franck Haise’s side equalised through Morgan Sanson (44’), before taking the lead via Terem Moffi (68’), and securing the win with an own-goal from Burrows (80’).

What happened? 

Les Aiglons showed two sides to their game in this clash against an opponent who was at the same stage of their pre-season preparations. In the first 45 minutes the home side struggled under the pressure and intensity of the English side, who were rewarded with the opening goal from Campbell (0-1, 29').

The second half was much better.

More aggressive, more comfortable on the ball, more incisive and more inspired after the break, Franck Haise's men quickly took control of the game. After creating few openings in the first stanza, apart from shots from Evann Guessand, Hicham Boudaoui and Sanson's goal from a good team move, the second half was a very different story.

After a 60-metre run by Boudaoui, Moffi needed just three touches to supply a clinical finish: one to control the ball, one to get himself into the best position and one to finish with a precise left-foot shot.

The Blades then equalised through Ukaki (2-2, 73'), who was calm and technical on the end of some direct football. Sanson, Isak Jansson and Jérémie Boga all had presentable chances to score in the second half before Barry hit Yehvann Diouf’s post. The Nice ‘keeper then stretched to tip over Hamer’s superb free kick.

At the end of an open and even contest, the French side prevailed to get the win.

How did they line up? 

Les Aiglons started the match in a 3-5-2 formation, with Badredine Bouanani in the centre of midfield. There was only one change to the starting XI from the Feyenoord match, with Guessand coming in for Jansson.

The Swedish striker was part of the first wave of changes that came in the 68th minute and proved to be a real handful for his opponents, with his constant energy and athleticism.

Tom Louchet and Boga came on at the same time (see below). Their introduction saw Le Gym switch to a 3-4-3 formation, with Bouanani playing as a false 9 before he was replaced by Gabin Bernardeau at the end of the match.

Also of note: new signing, Kojo Peprah Oppong, also came in the final minutes, replacing CommanDante.

Next up: Benfica

Now with preseason completed, attentions turn to the first competitive outing of the new campaign as Nice take on Benfica in the first leg of the their UEFA Champions League Q3 qualification at Allianz Riviera on Wednesday 6 August. 

---