For 19 years, the world's most beautiful city didn't host a single European match. A lifetime for the youngest among us and a distant memory for the others. Since the visit of Slavia Prague and a draw that tasted like victory, to be precise. Sure, the Rouge et Noir had some European jousts in the new millennium pre-2016 - in the Intertoto Cup (2003-2004 and 2004-2005). But for 19 years, Europe's most prestigious competitions hadn't graced Nice's shores, so when the drought was broken, it was duly celebrated by the Niçois.

Fiery beginnings

To get an idea of the expectations surrounding European football, you just need to look back at the evening on which Europa League qualification was cemented. It was a thrilling clash between Nice and Saint-Etienne, victory in which assured Nice of a place in the preliminary rounds (which transmuted into a group-stage place after the win Guingamp and Paris Saint-Germain's success in both domestic cups. Faced with an old adversary, the Allianz set a new attendance record, with masses on hand to watch the spectacle with love. On the pitch, the Aiglons clinched their European future with a double from Valère Germain. Off the pitch, Le Gym's fans proved at least as passionate as their beloved footballers. What an evening! 

Schalke, stiff test to start

For its first-ever appearance at the Allianz, the Europa League cooked up a big mouthful for Lucien Favre's squad - from the Ruhr Valley and the Bundesliga: Schalke 04. A heavyweight. Was it the pressure, the quality of the opponent or the fact that it was a big first for many of the Aiglons? Perhaps it was a bit of all of the above, but whatever the explanation, the Aiglons struggled to keep their heads above water against the blue machine. At least in the open play, which is usually where Le Gym is strongest. The Germans piled on the pressure on the home side without letting up, and although Le Gym held out for a long time, they ended up cracking and allowing Baba to score. A cruel but very elucidating first outing… 

Krasnodar, a first home win

After calming a first win in Salzburg, the Aiglons had to wait for the final matchday to register a home win in the campaign. Already mathematically eliminated form the competition, and with a huge league match against Paris to prepare for, Lucien Favre opted to include a deluge of youth talent against the Russian side, who had already punched their ticket for the next round. And Nice's youngsters, with one experienced senior player per line, did better than merely resisting. After falling behind, they fought their way back into the match thanks to Bosetti's panenka and won it with a right-footed goal from Max Le Marchand, who was making his return after a seven-month lay-off due to a knee injury.  

---