Two weeks after qualifying in the Coupe de France at the Stade de la Beaujoire, OGC Nice won (1–4) in Nantes on Sunday 25 January, on Matchday 19 of Ligue 1.

Finally! Les Aiglons are back to winning ways in Ligue 1 nearly three months after their last league victory (2–0 against Lille on 29 October 2025). Thanks to a very strong first half, they beat FC Nantes (1–4) at La Beaujoire on Sunday 25 January, on Matchday 19.

In two stages, Le Gym picked up three points, which temporarily move them up to 13th place and, above all, give them a 7-point cushion over the Canaries. Riding the momentum generated by their European win against Go Ahead Eagles (3–1) three days earlier, the Rouge et Noir began their trip west at full throttle. In keeping with their start to the year, they pressed, ran and offered options. All in a 4-2-3-1, with Sofiane Diop back in the starting XI, the Vanhoutte–Abdul Samed pairing shielding the defence, Sanson as a free role, and Wahi up front.

Against a struggling Nantes side, the first 40 minutes were a dream. From Dupé, alert to Abline’s efforts, to a very mobile Wahi, the entire Nice XI clicked perfectly. Mohamed-Ali Cho, the provider on Thursday, turned scorer from the edge of the box after an ideal pass from Jonathan Clauss. His left-footed shot beat Anthony Lopes (15’, 0–1). Untroubled by any Nantes response, Sanson, exemplary as captain, then pulled the strings for the former France U-21 international’s brace. Cho met a cross from the left by the Nice midfielder (29th minute, 0–2). A clear-cut brace that takes his total to 12 goals for Le Gym (5 this season) in 75 matches.

Diop’s goal, capitalising on a loose ball into the box (40’, 0–3), was the deserved continuation of an enterprising, perfectly organised performance from OGC Nice.

Once in control, Claude Puel’s side would ultimately give themselves a scare. First with Mohamed’s goal pulling one back just before the break (45+2, 1–3). Then by allowing their opponents more of the ball. Less secure in their passing, they endured a few anxious moments in the second half, mainly from set pieces. Mohamed hit the post (66’), and Tati’s header was cleared off the line by Clauss just centimeters from Dupé’s goal (67th).

But this 2026 version of OGC Nice has depth. With the introductions of Louchet and Dante in particular, they found renewed momentum. Cho went close to a hat-trick but dragged his shot wide (85’). After that warning, the final dagger was struck. FC Nantes had to concede defeat. Fed by Ndombele just outside the box, Louchet sealed the score with his right foot (90+3’, 1–4).

The goal rewarded the midfielder and secured a definitive victory for Le Gym in Nantes. Two weeks after their Coupe de France qualification, Les Aiglons leave Loire-Atlantique smiling and full of confidence ahead of their trip to Ludogorets to conclude the Europa League league phase on Thursday 29 January at 21:00, before hosting Brest on Saturday 1 February at 17:15 for Matchday 20 of Ligue 1.