OGC Nice suffered a 5–1 defeat against Toulouse at the Stadium on Matchday 18 of Ligue 1. Wahi was the only scorer for Nice.

The 5–1 scoreline is a heavy one for Le Gym. Yet the Red and Blacks showed some promising spells, with desire and chances, and were rewarded early in the second half when Wahi pulled one back and reignited hope. But every defensive mistake was punished by Toulouse’s ruthlessness, as they made the most of their strong periods and impressive confidence. With this defeat, Le Gym remain 14th on 18 points, pending the other fixtures this weekend.

For this trip to Toulouse, Claude Puel set his side up in a 4-3-3 formation. Dupé started in goal behind a defence made up of Clauss, Bah, Mantsounga and Bard. In midfield, captain Morgan Sanson was flanked by Tanguy Ndombele and youngster Everton. Up front, Louchet and Jansson operated on the wings, with Wahi leading the line.

LE GYM PUNISHED FROM THE GET GO

From kick-off, Le Gym showed attacking intent and looked to impose their game plan, with a Jansson cross deflected for a corner in the very first minute. Morgan Sanson tried his luck from the edge of the box (3’), without success. But Toulouse struck quickly: from a Donnum cross from the left, Hidalgo burst into the box and beat Dupé with a close-range shot to open the scoring (1–0, 7’).

Nice responded and created a few chances, including a half-volley from Louchet (11’), a header from Wahi (16’), and a powerful strike from Bard from the edge of the area (39’), but a lack of precision prevented Le Gym from converting. Dupé made several key saves to keep TFC from doubling the lead. First, he tipped away an outside-of-the-foot shot from Donnum (33’), then produced a commanding double save from a second corner (34’).

TFC DOUBLE THE LEAD…

Le Gym struggled late in the first half against Toulouse, who were very quick in transition. Bah saved the Rouge et Noir by clearing Hidalgo’s shot off the line at the last moment. But Nice eventually cracked, and Toulouse doubled their lead just before half-time with a move similar to the opening goal. Magri finished from close range after a cut-back from Gboho on the left, beating Dupé (2–0, 45’). At the break, Nice trailed. Le Gym showed good intentions and created some chances, but paid for their defensive errors and lack of finishing against an inspired Toulouse side.

…WAHI RESTORES HOPE

Right after the restart, Claude Puel made a double substitution. Ndombele was replaced by Gouveia, and Jansson made way for Cho. Nice started the half strongly. Wahi took advantage of a poor pass from Sidibé through the middle, struck with his right foot and beat Restes, reducing the deficit to 2–1 for Le Gym (49’).

Buoyed by the goal, Nice kept pushing and spent time in Toulouse’s half. Louchet, who had moved to play through the middle following the introductions of Cho and Gouveia, tried his luck with a shot that was deflected for a corner (53’).

But just as it seemed Le Gym might equalise, Toulouse struck again before the hour mark. Hidalgo scored TFC’s third with a right-footed shot inside the box (3–1, 55’). The Rouge et Noir continued to push for a second goal, but attempts from Everton (62’), a curling shot from Gouveia (65’), and a header from Cho after excellent work by Wahi all failed to bring them back into the match.

TOULOUSE EXTEND THEIR LEAD

Toulouse then put the game beyond doubt. Casseres took advantage of a defensive error in the box following a Donnum cross, firing past Dupé to score the hosts’ fourth goal (4–1, 74’). Then, in the 80th minute, Vignolo netted Toulouse’s fifth with a left-footed strike from the edge of the area that found the side netting (5–1, 80’).

FOCUS ON GO AHEAD EAGLES

On Thursday at the Allianz Riviera, Le Gym will face Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles on Matchday 7 of the Europa League league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm.