Despite a strong overall performance, OGC Nice were beaten in Lyon on Sunday night in the closing match of Matchday 22 in Ligue 1 (2–0).

Frustrating, cruel, unfair… It’s hard to find the right word to describe the setback suffered by Le Gym on Sunday evening in Lyon. If the vocabulary is so negative, it’s because the result feels extremely harsh given the display delivered by Claude Puel’s men at the Groupama Stadium. For over an hour, the Rouge et Noir seriously unsettled an in-form Lyon. side that had been on a run of twelve consecutive victories before kick-off.

DIOP SHINES, BOUDACHE THREATENS

Before Corentin Tolisso’s opener, which came completely against the run of play and from Lyon’s first shot on target, deep into first-half stoppage time (1–0, 45+1), Les Aiglons had made an excellent start.

Despite the early blow of Elye Wahi’s injury (he hurt his ankle attempting to block a clearance from Hans Hateboer in the very first minute), Nice did not lose heart and created numerous chances.

Twice, Kaïl Boudache sent a wave of anxiety through the Rhône stadium: first by sliding in at the back post to try to convert a headed lay-off from Mohamed-Ali Cho (12’), then with a powerful header from Tom Louchet’s cross (42’). On both occasions, the young Nice attacking midfielder missed the target by inches.

Another standout performer in the first half, Sofiane Diop, shone in midfield, threading several dangerous passes in behind the opposition defence. Le Gym’s top scorer did not rely solely on his passing ability, he was also a threat with his runs in behind. Each time, however, he was denied by an imposing Dominik Greif (10’, 22’).

LE GYM DID NOT GIVE UP

Punished just before the break, Le Gym did not surrender. Having already come from behind against Brest (2–2) and Montpellier (3–2) two weeks ago, Dante and his teammates continued to dictate play after half-time.

But fortune did not switch sides. Moments after Louchet was also denied by Greif (50’), Lyon doubled their lead following a swift counter-attack. Showing ruthlessness in front of goal, the hosts sealed the win through Noah Nartey (2–0, 65’). The second goal was all the more regrettable as it came shortly after a contentious challenge between Hateboer and Boudache inside the Lyon penalty area.

This time, definitively stunned, Claude Puel’s men were unable to respond.

Still 14th after Matchday 22, they now hold a six-point cushion over the relegation play-off side, Auxerre. But, as in every match since the start of the calendar year, they will return to the most beautiful city in the world with the feeling that they have improved in their play and are surely back on the right track.

Next up: Lorient at the Allianz Riviera the on Sunday 22 February (5:15pm).

Hugo Rondet