OGC Nice lost to RC Lens this Sunday evening at the Stade Bollaert (2-0). Unrewarded for their efforts, the Aiglons weren’t clinical enough.

Another frustrating evening for Le Gym, as it was against Braga on Thursday in the Europa League (0-1). Franck Haise’s men played out a decent match, creating a number of goal scoring opportunities and even dominating the Ligue 1 leaders at times. However, much like evening against the Portuguese side, success eluded the Rouge et Noir, who were unable to find the back of the net against the northerners. Crucified by a brace from Odsonne Édouard, who scored twice with his head from two perfectly delivered crosses by Matthieu Udol (15', 57'), they were punished for their lack of effectiveness, while Lens scored from the few opportunities they created.

POORLY HANDLED CHANCES

Playing in a 4-3-3 formation with eight changes to the starting eleven from the Europa League match, Les Aiglons got off to a good start, proving tough in one-on-one situations and dangerous on the counter-attack. Lens' opening goal hurt them, but they created a huge chance to equalise ten minutes later. Isak Jansson, twisting and turning on the left wing, delivered a perfect ball to Mohamed-Ali Cho, who was unmarked at the far post but was hindered by the bounce as he tried to beat Robin Risser one-on-one (27').

Impressive in their physicality, the Azuréens regained control of the game after half an hour, winning back numerous balls high up the pitch. But their lack of technical accuracy in the final third prevented them from converting their chances. Even when they did make the right move, such as Cho's cross that was cut out at the near post by Hicham Boudaoui, the opposition goalkeeper was able to intervene (37').

JANSSON TRIED EVERYTHING

Nice's dominance peaked after the break. Boudaoui again (47'), then Jansson (48'), each took turns to test Risser with powerful long-range shots, the Swedish winger's strike proving particularly impressive. But it was all in vain, and symbolically, it was in the midst of the red and black charge that the Sang et Or struck again, through their home-grown striker, just before the hour mark.

Shaken, Le Gym continued to push forward, but Tiago Gouveia's shot flew wide (75'). Still searching for a much-needed win to clear their heads, coach Haise's troops have yet to find the key. They will try again to figure it out next weekend when they host AS Saint-Étienne in the round of 64 of the Coupe de France (Sunday 21st December, 2.45pm).