OGC Nice lost 2-1 to Fenerbahçe on Matchday 2 of the Europa League. Kevin Carlos reduced the deficit for Nice in the first half with a penalty.

As against Roma, Le Gym had good moments, coming back from behind after conceding early goals and reducing the deficit with a penalty... but as in the European campaign opener, they were unable to overcome a European giant. Despite their desire, chances, a header from Gouveia that hit the bar at the end of the first half, and a second penalty that could have been awarded for a handball by En-Nesyri in the second half, the Aiglons left the Saracoglu stadium without any points and with regrets.

LE GYM PUNISHED EARLY

The defeat took shape in the first half hour, when Kerem Akturkoglu scored twice, showcasing his speed and talent. First, he took advantage of a recovery by Talisca in his own half, followed by a pass from the Brazilian down the middle, which the former Benfica player converted after a 40-yard run (1-0, 3'). Then, in a nice team move, he finished with a run from the left towards the middle of the box and a shot that was slightly deflected by Juma Bah (2-0, 25').

Despite some attacking moves and a dangerous header from Kévin Carlos that went wide (13'), OGC Nice struggled to find their feet. Stunned, they were nearly out of the game in the first half hour, despite fielding seven new players from the start compared to the match against PFC (see line-up) and switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 formation.

KEVIN CARLOS GIVES AIGLONS HOPE

Despite everything, Le Gym fought back and were awarded a penalty after half an hour of play following a handball by Škriniar in the box. Kevin Carlos stepped up to take it and gave his team hope by scoring his first goal in red and black (2-1, 37').

Shortly afterwards, Gouveia came close to equalising. From a corner, the ball came off his shoulder and crashed against Ederson's crossbar (39'). Before half-time, Vanhoutte broke into the box on the left before shooting with his right foot, but Ederson caught the ball (44').

The Rouge et Noir showed spirit during the last quarter of an hour of the first half, ending it on a hopeful note.

A SLOWER SECOND HALF

The second half began at a slower pace than the first. Nice struggled to pose a threat against a well-organised Turkish side, who kept possession and limited the space (56'). To inject some life into his attack, Franck Haise made his first change shortly before the hour mark, bringing on Terem Moffi for Kevin Carlos (59'). The Nigerian striker immediately made his presence felt. After receiving a pass from Clauss, he controlled the ball and turned to shoot from outside the box, but Ederson made a good save to stop the shot (68').

Franck Haise made two further changes to energise his team: Sanson came off, replaced by Diop, and Gouveia made way for Abdi (70'). The coach also changed his system, switching his team back to 3-5-2.

Les Aiglons struggled to create clear chances at the end of the game, despite the introduction of Cho and Mendy (80'). In the final minutes, Diouf made a superb save in a one-on-one with Youssef En-Nesyri, diving to stop the ball and prevent the Turks from adding to their tally (89'). The score remained unchanged.

FOCUS ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR DERBY

On Sunday, OGC Nice will travel to Stade Louis-II to face Monaco on Matchday 7 of Ligue 1 (kick-off at 5.15pm).