OGC Nice were beaten 3–0 by FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Matchday 5 of the Europa League.

Against a European heavyweight, Le Gym would have needed a perfect performance and clinical finishing to pull off an upset. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be on Thursday. Les Aiglons showed some promise in attack but failed to convert their chances in front of the 700 red-and-black supporters who had made the trip. Porto were ruthless and efficient, punishing every Niçois mistake. With this defeat, Nice are still without a point in the Europa League.

NICE TRAIL AFTER 18 SECONDS

At kick-off, Franck Haise made three changes to the side that lost to OM, notably bringing Dante back into the starting eleven. The Brazilian, along with Sanson and Abdi, rejoined the line-up. Diouf, Mendy, Bard, Clauss, Vanhoutte, Cho, Diop and Moffi completed the Nice team.

The match started in the worst possible way for Nice. From Porto’s first attacking move, Gabri Veiga beat Diouf with a low shot deflected by Dante (1’). Despite this stroke of misfortune, Nice tried to respond and occasionally found some space, though the opposition pressing remained intense.

After opening the scoring, Porto slowed the pace and contained Les Aiglons, who tried to break through midfield but repeatedly ran into the aggression of the Portuguese block. From a well-constructed counter-attack, Moffi created Nice’s first real chance, but his left-footed strike flew over the bar (19’). Both teams also made technical mistakes, making the game disjointed at times.

Nice kept pushing but couldn’t truly threaten a clinical Porto side. Gabri Veiga scored his second with a left-footed finish, cutting through the Nice defence with a pass from Froholdt (33’). Led Aiglons reacted immediately. At the end of a good move, Abdi cut the ball back for Diop, but Le Gym’s top scorer sent his first-time effort over the bar. At half-time, OGC Nice trailed 2–0. They had created several chances but lacked precision, while Porto were efficient and sharp in their pressing.

3–0 ON THE HOUR MARK

Nice returned from the break with more attacking intent. Mendy drove through the middle before releasing Clauss on the right, but the full-back’s cross was caught by the Porto goalkeeper (52’). As in the first half, Nice looked shaky whenever Porto pressed, exemplified by Diouf conceding a corner under pressure from Samu (53’).

On the hour mark, Porto were awarded a penalty after a VAR check following a tackle by Dante on Samu Aghehowa. The Dragons’ striker converted it to make it 3–0 (60’). Despite the set-back, Les Aiglons didn’t give up and created several dangerous chances. Mendy’s shot grazed the outside of the net (63’), substitute Kevin Carlos came close to pulling one back from close range on a Clauss cross (70’), and moments later Jansson also tried his luck inside the box but missed the target (71’). Despite a more attacking second half and some clear chances, Nice couldn’t capitalise on their strong spells.

Les Aiglons will travel to FC Lorient on Sunday for Matchday 14 of Ligue 1. Kick-off is scheduled for 5.15pm.

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