OGC Nice were beaten in Auxerre on Matchday 33 of Ligue 1. With this defeat, Le Gym drop to 16th place, the league’s relegation play-off spot, as Auxerre move ahead of them in the league table thanks to a superior goal difference. Everything will now be decided next Sunday at the Allianz Riviera against FC Metz on the final day of the Ligue 1 season.

For this match against Auxerre, the Nice coach made two changes compared to the team that earned a draw against Lens last weekend. Clauss and Abdul Samed returned to the starting line-up. Diouf, Mendy, Bah, Oppong, Bard, Boudaoui, Sanson (capt.), Clauss, Cho and Diop completed the eleven.

A STRONG START

Le Gym began the match with plenty of intent and quickly created their first chance. Clauss played a through ball to Cho, who controlled it on the right side of the box but failed to keep his shot on target as it flew wide (2’). Nice were playing high up the pitch, while the Auxerre players appeared content to wait for Nice turnovers in order to launch counter-attacks.

That dominance was quickly rewarded with Les Aiglons opening the scoring. Following an attack down the right flank, Clauss found Cho inside the penalty area. The forward controlled the ball and shifted onto his left foot to shoot, but his effort was blocked at the last moment by Okoh. The ball then fell to Diop, who from close range bundled it into the back of the net (0-1, 9’). Nice continued to look dangerous and troubled Auxerre throughout the opening 15 minutes in the rain, illustrated by a Sanson strike that was blocked after an excellent cut-back cross from Clauss (11’).

AJA EQUALISE

But Auxerre gradually reacted and began to pin Nice back in their own half in search of an equaliser, also benefiting from a Nice side showing less attacking intent after taking the lead. Auxerre’s efforts eventually paid off. Following a throw-in for Le Gym recovered in midfield by the home side, Mendy cleared a cross from Namaso coming from the right, but the ball fell to Mara, who struck first time from the edge of the box and beat Diouf (1-1, 27’).

After the goal, Auxerre grew in confidence, with Sinayoko notably seeing his shot skim the post of Diouf’s goal (35’) before trying his luck again from distance (42’). Nice went into the dressing room on level terms (1-1).

A DISALLOWED GOAL AND LE GYM ARE PUNISHED

Le Gym started the second half just as they had the first, with a huge double chance. Cho won the ball centrally and attempted a long-range effort, but Léon pushed it away with both hands. Moments later, Diop met a fine cross from Clauss but failed to keep his effort on target (53’). Nice kept pushing and even thought they had taken the lead when Bah headed in a Clauss free-kick, but the goal was ultimately ruled out for offside (67’).

While Auxerre seemed less adventurous and Nice were gradually taking control, the momentum suddenly shifted with 20 minutes to go. Sinayoko found space inside the box and beat Diouf with a right-footed shot at the near post, giving AJA the lead (2-1, 69’).

Afterwards, Auxerre continued to apply pressure, exemplified by a Namaso header well gathered by Diouf (74’). The Nice goalkeeper kept the Red and Blacks in the match with a decisive save, using his foot to deny a close-range strike from Danois (79’).

In the closing moments, Le Gym came agonisingly close to equalising twice: Jansson’s shot was cleared off the line by Akpa (90’), while Mensah blocked a Wahi effort right in front of goal (90+5’). A cruel ending for the Aiglons, who ultimately fell to defeat.

FOCUS ON METZ

Next Sunday, OGC Nice will host FC Metz at the Allianz Riviera on the final day of the league campaign. A decisive encounter in the battle for survival.