OGC Nice beat Cercle Brugge 2-1 in their first pre-season match in the summer of 2025.

DOUBLE FOR BOUANANI

A good start, a good game, some good moves and energy: the 500 season ticket holders present at the training centre enjoyed Franck Haise's men's first outing of the summer. Dominant for the most part, though punished for 10 slightly weaker minutes, the Aiglons showed their seriousness and desire against a Belgian side who are ahead of schedule in their preparations. They made their mark from the outset, opening the scoring through some direct play. The source of the goal: the eternal Dante. With a superb through ball, the captain set up Bouanani, who scored the first goal of the summer with a clinical strike (1-0, 2').

The Rouge et Noir came close to doubling their lead in the 8th minute, thanks to some slick play and a well-timed runs. Dante, in the left half-space, found Bernardeau inside, who played Moffi into space. The Super Eagle accelerated but failed to get his shot on target. From a quick attack, the number 9, again on the move, set up Bouanani 20 metres out, who was eventually caught by the Belgian defence.

After a half-hour that had been controlled from start to finish, Le Gym got themselves into trouble in the closing stages of the first half. Following miscommunication between Melvin Bard and Yéhvann Diouf, Cercle Brugge equalised through an own goal from our number 26 (1-1, 32'). Le Gym's new keeper then pulled off a sublime save to prevent his side from being penalised for losing possession.

Le Gym started the second half as they had the first: with intensity and efficiency. High pressure from the Rouge et Noir block enabled them to double their lead... as early as the 51st minute. Tom Louchet, who was very calm in the penalty area, served Bouanani up on a platter. The Algerian international wasted no time in grabbing himself a brace (2-1).

Although Franck Haise made just three changes at the break (see below), he introduced a completely different team on the hour mark.

What were the key points of the final half-hour? The big differences made by Evann Guessand. The Aiglon of the 2024-25 season was unstoppable, putting the visitors under lots of pressure and pulling off some high-quality moves. Unfortunately, he lacked just a bit of accuracy at the end of a game he could have finished with a goal.

Also of note: Djibril Coulibaly's personality at the heart of the game, in an area where Boudaoui's influence helped the new pro. Koutoune's bursts down the right and, overall, the good team spirit of Franck Haise's players, who could have added another goal when the Prince de Béchar played a wonderful ball to Boga who controlled it perfectly before shooting wide.

The visitors could have equalised late on, but the final scoreline - which could have been much higher - reflected the home side's dominance.

DEBUTS FOR DIOUF, BAH AND BERNARDEAU

3 of the 4 summer recruits were in the starting line-up at kick-off: Yéhvann Diouf in goal, Juma Bah in the centre of a 3-man defence and Gabin Bernardeau in midfield.

All 3 put in fine performances.

WHAT WERE THE TACTICS?

Les Aiglons initially played in a 3-5-2 formation for attacking phases, with Badredine Bouanani given complete freedom, provided he kept his right flank secured for phases without the ball.

After the hour mark, Le Gym switched to a 3-4-3 formation, with Guessand, Nguene and Boga forming an attacking trio from right to left.

AND NOW?

Les Aiglons are now getting ready to take their preparations to the next level. Their 4th week of the summer will be marked by 2 matches: against Aubagne on Wednesday (4pm, behind closed doors) and AC Ajaccio on Saturday (3pm, behind closed doors).

They will leave for a training camp in Austria from 21 July.