At the end of an exceptional match played in a superb atmosphere at the Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice ran out 6-0 winners against Stade Brestois on Saturday night. Thanks to this victory, Le Gym finish the season in 4th in Ligue 1 and secure their spot in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League!

A magnificent close to the season. Sometimes tough, sometimes frustrating, sometimes unfair, Les Aiglons' 2024-2025 season ended with an unforgettable evening at the Allianz Riviera.  Involved in a breathless race for European qualification for many weeks, Franck Haise’s men gave their supporters a golden moment by winning convincingly (6-0) against SB29. In doing so, they secured fourth place and their European ticket for next season: heading for the third qualifying round of the Champions League in August. And on top of that, a guaranteed place in at least the Europa League.

But before looking ahead, this memorable night at the Plaine du Var needs to be savoured in all its glory. Starting the game in fourth place, Dante and his teammates had their fate in their own hands: a win would give them a great chance of keeping their place in the standings. Without holding back, the Red and Black gave it their all in the match. Lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, with an attack led by the trio of Badredine Bouanani, Evann Guessand and Gaëtan Laborde, the home side set the tone early, relentlessly pressing Éric Roy’s Brest side from the very get-go.

A FIERY GUESSAND-LABORDE DUO

Laborde nearly opened the scoring with a magnificent first-time strike from the right side of the box, only to be denied by the outside of Marco Bizot’s post (11’). That was just a warning shot, as moments later Guessand, his attacking partner, showed his tenacity by winning the ball off a defender, breaking into the left side of the area, cutting inside, and slotting it past the Breton keeper from close range (1-0, 16’).

The first eruption at the Allianz Riviera was quickly followed by a second just three minutes later. Found on the left, Melvin Bard didn’t hesitate as he crossed to the far post, finding a selfless Guessand who passed back into the middlefor Laborde. The Frenchman was calm and composed and finished into the empty net (19’, 2-0).

Fired up and determined not to let slip their chance to secure European qualification after chasing it all season, Les Aiglons kept attacking. Their efforts were rewarded again just before the half-hour mark when Jonathan Clauss was brought down in the box by Bradley Locko (26’). Bouanani didn’t waste the opportunity, scoring with a perfect penalty (28’, 3-0).

A SCISSOR KICK, A COMEBACK, AND A MAGNIFICENT CELEBRATION

Unburdened, the Rouge et Noir kept pushing in a second half that they first controlled and then set alight again. Though Bouanani, always active in midfield, missed two chances to increase the hosts' lead (56’, 58’), Laborde once again lit up the eyes of the Nice fans. Picked out by Bard after a fantastic run from the left back, Le Gym’s number 24 soared into the sky over the Côte d’Azur and scored a stunning scissor-kick to beat Bizot (75’, 4-0).

Knowing European qualification was secured, Franck Haise’s players didn’t ease up. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The substitutes were all eager to join the party and quickly got into the rhythm of the match. Terem Moffi came off the bench to score the fifth goal. Long sidelined due to a serious ACL injury in his left knee, the Super Eagle reminded Le Gym's fans of his talent, making a deep run after a sublime through ball from Sofiane Diop. What followed? An excellent dribble and a finish into the empty net (82’, 5-0). Scoring his first goal since returning to action on 29 March, the Nigerian international almost bagged a brace in stoppage time but was denied by Bizot. Lurking nearby, Ali Abdi—also coming off the bench—finished the job by scoring a sixth goal of the evening (90’+4, 6-0).

HEADING FOR THE THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

After erupting with joy at the final whistle, the Allianz Riviera celebrated its heroes in a magnificent post-match atmosphere. Songs, celebrations, fireworks… the Rouge et Noir extended the evening and received well-deserved applause. After a season of intense effort, Franck Haise’s team has reached its goal: no matter what, they will play in a European competition next season. And they will already have the chance to thrill their fans during the qualifying rounds of the most prestigious European competition in August.

Hugo Rondet