At the end of their second match of the summer, Les Aiglons fell to defeat at the hands of FC Thoune (1-3), despite a quick equaliser in the first half and serious efforts put in during the second half.

The features

Even though Saint-Maximin started the match with the first attack, it was the Swiss side that took the lead thanks to a smart finish from Sorgic (5'). Les Rouge et Noirdidn’t let their heads drop, even after Sacko missed a penalty after pulling his effort wide (11'). The number 18 made up for his miss seven minutes later, as he took a corner. Ganago received the ball at the near post and finished with an unbeatable effort into the back of the net to get his side back on level terms (18').

The encounter continued on level terms and both sides had chances here and there. Castroman and his side pushed before the break, but were unable to find a way past Benitez.

Le Gym a égalisé à la 18ème minute grâce à une frappe puissante de Ganago.
#OGCNTHU pic.twitter.com/y7DXLWKoqb

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) 13 juillet 2019

At the start of the second half, Les Thouniens reproduced their trick from the first half, this time thanks to a strike from Rapp (49'). Sorgic, who was extremely effective, ensured the victory as he pipped Clémentia to the ball (66'). Fresh, Le Bihan, Myziane and Brazão were particularly active and created numerous chances in the final half an hour of the game. 

But none of the chances would trouble the Swiss defence. Not even Sylvestre’s free-kick just a few minutes before the end of the game. Three goals to one, the score remained at that.  

Coach Vieira’s choices 

Just as he did against PSV Eindhoven (1st friendly of pre-season 2019-20, 3-2 victory), Patrick Vieira opted for a 4-3-3, but it was slightly reworked from the side that played last weekend. Experienced heads Benitez, Dante and Herelle were back in business. In midfield, Tameze, Danilo and Lusamba supported the attacking trio of Ganago - Sacko - Saint-Maximin.

After the break, the coach made eight changes. Pelmard, Cissé, Lloris and Perraud made up the defensive quartet. Walter and Sylvestre played in the middle, while Myziane and Le Bihan came on up-front. Ten minutes later, the final three starters (Benitez, Danilo and Saint-Maximin) made way for Clémentia, Brazão and Thuram. The latter of course was making his debut for the club.  

As for Guessand, he replaced Perraud in the final minutes of the game.

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