OGC Nice and AS Monaco played out a goalless draw on Sunday in the Côte d’Azur derby. Despite dominating, the Rouge et Noir lacked precision with their final touch to secure a victory but managed their first clean sheet since 29 October 2025.

Nice probably deserved better. Back at the Allianz Riviera, which was still buzzing four days after their impressive Coupe de France comeback win over Montpellier (3–2), Claude Puel’s men delivered another strong performance in front of their fans. Facing a Monaco side seeking revenge after being eliminated in the Round of 16 of France’s oldest competition in Strasbourg, Les Aiglons played a true derby. Physical intensity, strong duels, high pressing, teamwork, and defensive solidity… all the ingredients were there on Sunday afternoon.

All except one: efficiency in front of goal. Despite controlling the game, Dante and his team mates failed to take advantage of numerous high turnovers in Monaco’s half, thanks to relentless pressing, as seen by strong performances from Morgan Sanson (12 ball recoveries, the second-highest total in Ligue 1 this season after Valentin Rongier’s 14 on 2 November 2 2025) and Elye Wahi, who was tireless in attack. The issue was a lack of finishing. Yet chances were plentiful.

A STRONG FIRST HALF FOR NICE

In the opening minutes, Nice arguably should have been awarded a penalty after a handball by Thilo Kehrer in the box (4’). Although the situation resembled a penalty given against Dante last week versus Brest (2–2), referee Benoît Bastien ruled differently, likely judging Kehrer’s handball accidental. Rather than dwelling on the decision, the Rouge et Noir took control. Dangerous from set pieces, they could have opened the scoring if headers from their captain (10’) and Ali Abdi (16’) had hit the target.

Just after the half-hour mark, Sofiane Diop also missed a key chance. Finishing a counter-attack started by goalkeeper Maxime Dupé, the Nice playmaker rushed his shot, firing hard from the edge of the box and missing the goal by inches (33’). Despite their strong play, Nice were also tested defensively: Folarin Balogun struck the crossbar early (3’), and Dupé made a superb save against him later (31’).

DIOP CLOSE TO LIGHTING UP THE ALLIANZ RIVIER

The second half was more balanced, with Monaco initially controlling possession as Nice players showed signs of fatigue. Still calm in goal, Dupé produced another fine save to deny Aleksandr Golovin’s volley (47’). Just as momentum seemed to shift, Nice found renewed mental strength.

As against Brest and Montpellier, Claude Puel’s squad refused to give up and nearly ignited the stadium after a poor clearance from Philipp Köhn. Diop curled a shot toward an empty net, but Kehrer cleared it dramatically off the line with his heel (73’). The derby’s final big chance came from Wahi, whose powerful turning shot excited the crowd but failed to beat Monaco’s goalkeeper (81’).

After their 2–2 draw in Monaco on 5 October 2025, Nice finish the season unbeaten against their regional rivals. Temporarily sitting in 13th, with a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, Jonathan Clauss and his teammates can reflect on a successful week featuring three home matches without defeat. Improving in the way they play and exemplary in spirit, the Rouge et Noir now turn their attention to a challenging away match in Lyon next Sunday (15 February at 8:45pm).

Hugo Rondet