Les Aiglons delighted a pumping Allianz Riviera by overcoming Ligue 1 leaders Lille 2-1 on Sunday.

Le Gym showed this evening that it is on the right track. Against a Lille side, undefeated after four games this season, OGC Nice picked up three precious points after a complete performance.

While not everything was perfect, Les Aiglons showed a real cutting edge in attack. It was the home side that carved out the first chances of the match, firstly through Djibril Coulibaly who slalomed his way through the LOSC defence before firing just wide (4’). Elye Wahi was then twice denied by Berke Özer (13’, 19’) from offside positions. Just before the half-hour, the Allianz Riviera was brought to its feet as one. Djibril Coulibaly switched play to Niels Nkounkou who played in Mohammed Amoura first time. The Algeria international sent a low hard ball across the face of goal that the hapless Ngoy could only turn into his own net (22’, 1-0).

Leading on the scoreboard, Le Gym went close to extending its lead through Wahi who hit the post from another dangerous cross from Amoura, this time with the outside of his left foot (30’).

OUTSTANDING Yehvann Diouf

Les Aiglons continued to take the game to their visitors after the break. Djibril Coulibaly had another opportunity after another superb team move (49’) and Gauthier Hein saw his effort saved by Özer on the counterattack (54’), before the reward finally arrived. Former Metz midfielder, Hein, perfectly released Amoura in behind the defence. The Algerian rounded Özer before scoring into an empty net (67’, 2-0). It was no less than Le Gym deserved and they could probably have even scored more given the chances created.

But to ensure the victory, the home side also needed to show it solidity at the back. And that’s exactly what they did. Despite conceding a goal to Ueda (79’, 2-1), Les Aiglons withstood the late pressure provided by their high-flying opposition, showing total commitment and desperation, as illustrated by Jonathan Clauss (83’) to preserve the lead. And when the defence was beaten, goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was imperious between the posts, denying Önal’s curling effort and producing three fine saves to keep out Ueda (35’, 47’, 82’).

On Sunday evening, we rediscovered Le Gym. Our Gym. That team capable of rising to the challenge, of sticking together and digging deep, of securing that illusive first win of the campaign. A win that sees OGC Nice climb out of the relegation zone ahead of the three-week international break.