OGC Nice conceded a draw in the dying moments against FC Lorient on Sunday at the Allianz Riviera (3-3).

The cruel nature of football struck again for Nice on Sunday during the 23rd matchday of the Ligue 1 season. Leading from the 12th to the 94th minute, Claude Puel's men were pegged back in added time by a strike from Noah Cadiou (3-3, 90+5). Two weeks after lacking the clinical edge against Monaco on Matchday 21 (0-0) and one week after a good performance that went unrewarded in Lyon on Matchday 22 (2-0), the Rouge et Noir suffered a cruel equaliser at the end of a match that had been going well.

CHO UNPLAYABLE, LOUCHET CLINICAL

Although they did not dominate the game technically, Dante and his fellow players put in a determined effort, proving very dangerous on the counter-attack thanks to Mohamed-Ali Cho, who was everywhere, first on the right wing and then in the centre. Le Gym's number 25 almost created the first two goals on his own, first delivering a superb curling cross with his left foot after cutting inside, in a move reminiscent of his assist for Tiago Gouveia against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League (Matchday 7, 3-1), then breaking down the wing before shooting from the edge of the box. On both occasions, ‘Momo’ Cho failed to score, but on both occasions, Tom Louchet took care of business. Always well positioned, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored the first brace of his young career, allowing the Aiglons to break the deadlock and extend their lead (12', 45'+1).

But – and this was a recurring theme on Sunday – the Allianz Riviera side never had a moment's respite. Moments after Louchet's second goal, Les Merlus playmaker Pablo Pagis got his side back into the game with a free kick (2-1, 45'+4). It was a magical strike that was hard to swallow for Nice, who were being dominated but not resigned to defeat going into the break. Both Jonathan Clauss and Kaïl Boudache came on at half-time and took charge to restore the home side's two-goal lead. After a superb team move, once again initiated by Mohamed-Ali Cho, Clauss subtly laid the ball off to Boudache, who showed composure and clarity to finish from close range (3-1, 59').

LE GYM FINALLY SUCCUMB

Was it to be enough to secure a first victory at the Plaine du Var stadium in Ligue 1 in 2026? Unfortunately not, as Lorient once again reduced the deficit with a penalty from Bamba Dieng (3-2, 67'). It was yet another blow to take, especially as Clauss's contact with Cadiou's leg seemed minor.

After a hard-fought effort, and despite a poorly executed one-on-one by the mercurial Boudache against Yvon Mvogo (78th minute), Les Aiglons finally succumbed, recording their fourth draw in four home league games under Claude Puel in 2026. Currently 14th in the table, they sit seven points ahead of Auxerre (16th) and Nantes (17th) in the first relegation spot.

The Gym will travel to 15th placed Paris FC next weekend.

Hugo Rondet