Facing AS Roma in their Europa League opener, OGC Nice lost 2-1 at the Allianz Riviera. Terem Moffi scored the only goal for the Côte d'Azur side.

It was a big occasion. Back in the Europa League for a new league phase, Le Gym didn't wait long to rub shoulders with the cream of the crop of the competition. Right from the outset, Franck Haise's men crossed paths with the highest ranked UEFA coefficient team in the 2025/2026 edition: AS Roma and their “wizard”, Gian Piero Gasperini. At times troubled and often dominated, the Aiglons nevertheless put up a valiant fight. Although they ultimately lost, the Allianz Riviera faithful battled together throughout the match, fighting hard to defend in the first half and then giving it their all in a thrilling finish, but ultimately in vain.

SOLID dEfenCe

With Dante's return providing stability, Nice's defence was particularly solid in the first half. With most of the possession, the Giallorossi took control of the game, led by French international Manu Koné in midfield. But the back line gave away virtually nothing, always alert to plug the gaps, as exemplified by Antoine Mendy's well-timed tackle to block Artem Dovbyk's shot in the box (25'). Back in the starting line-up for the first time since the defeat at Le Havre at the end of August, the Senegalese international led by example, accompanied by a Capitão who is always so important in big games.

The Azuréen block only wobbled once in 45 minutes, when Gianluca Mancini flew into the box to beat Yehvann Diouf from close range, before the referee flagged for offside (38'). Although solid defensively, Le Gym failed to convert the few promising breaks offered by their midfield into clear scoring opportunities, with Kevin Carlos and Jeremie Boga forced to shoot from too far out.

Positioned higher up the pitch at the start of the second half, Les Aiglons were punished by the ruthless nature of European competition, which punishes the slightest mistake. Following a poorly executed short restart, Roma won a corner from which Evan Ndicka flexed his neck muscles to beat Diouf at the near post (0-1, 52'). The punishment was then doubled, as Mancini, who had stayed up front on a second ball, perfectly converted Kostas Tsimikas' delightful cross (0-2, 55').

Mendy sparks the revolt, Moffi revives the match

But Dante and his teammates did not give up. Determined to show a new side to themselves compared to their previous UEL campaign, the Rouge et Noir took control of the game, helped by the simultaneous introductions of Jonathan Clauss, Sofiane Diop and Terem Moffi. It was the Nigerian striker who gave hope to the 23,000 supporters present on Wednesday at the Allianz Riviera. After Antoine Mendy's spirited run, which was stopped illegally in the box by Niccolò Pisilli, the Super Eagle kept his cool to score his third goal of the season from the penalty spot (1-2, 77').

Spurred on by the entire stadium, Le Gym pushed hard at the end of the match, but neither Clauss' free kick (89') nor Moffi's last-gasp effort (90+2) were enough to trouble Mile Svilar. Defeated despite their best efforts in the opening game of the league phase, the rouge and noir will need to stay positive and bounce back next Thursday in Turkey, away to Fenerbahçe.

Before that, they will host PFC this Sunday in the sixth round of Ligue 1 fixtures (kick-off at 3pm).

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Hugo Rondet