OGC Nice were beaten by Clermont on Sunday on Matchday 32 of L1 (1-2). 

Three days after they were knocked out of the Conference League against Basel, Le Gym were beaten by an effective Clermont side. In a balanced encounter, Les Aiglons weren't able to take advantage of their dominant periods to find the back of the net, contrary to the solid and committed Clermontois.

Although Le Gym dominated possession in the early stages of the game, it was the visitors who looked most dangerous, creating several chances on the counter. But Rashani missed the target (2’) and Cham couldn't beat Schmeichel (11’). It was in winning the ball back high up the pitch that CF63 opened the scoring. A smart ball from Gastien into the box saw Cham perfectly beat Schmeichel (1-0, 37’), two minutes after Kyei had hit the post. The Niçois reacted quickly, thanks to an impressive move from Bouanani. The only change made by Didier Digard from the starting 11 that faced Basel (which led to the switch to a 4-3-3), the 18-year-old Algerian international was at the heart of all of Le Gym's impressive moves. Shortly before the break, he collected a ball 20 metres out, after some good play from Mendy, and followed up with an incredible solo run: beating Gastien, then two cut-backs and a powerful shot that hit the post. Laborde followed in and equalised, picking up his 12th goal for Le Gym and his 14th of the season (1-1,41').

Earlier, it was also Bouanani who had the best chance of the first half, making the most of Laborde's pressing on Ogier on the edge of the opponent's box, and a ball from Thuram. But he did not find the target (23').

Nice clearly dominated the beginning of the second half. Moffi hardened the tone and in his wake, the home side created opportunities. The n°9 was thwarted by Diaw (46'), as was Bouanani, who took a beautiful free kick but was denied by the goalkeeper who came through the ranks at PSG (49'). The Super Eagle broke through on the hour-mark, his shot was blocked by the visitors' defence - Boudaoui tried his luck in the aftermath, but without success (58') -, then beat Konaté but was prevented from scoring by the young Malian defender as he attempted his shot on goal (66'). The best chance came in the 69th minute, when Moffi, again, sent Laborde in deep. The latter broke into the box and looked to beat Diaw at the near post, but from a tight angle, he only found the keeper's fists.

Throughout this period, the very high press from the team from the Comté really troubled their opponents. But after this, Clermont, in their 3-4-3, looked dangerous and were able to retake the lead. The ball fell to Khaoui in the box and he made no mistake to take all three points for his side (1-2, 83’). 

Ramsey, Lotomba, Barkley and Brahimi all came on from the bench, but Le Gym couldn't find the equaliser.

Overtaken by their opponents of the day and currently in 10th place, Didier Digard's side will travel to Troyes on Sunday for Matchday 33 (3pm).