After a peaceful 2h40 flight, the Aiglons landed in Moldova. In the quiet Chisinau, the capital, they started the final preparations for their round of 16 first leg against Sheriff Tiraspol.

Europe has a different feel to it. A difference that brings people together, regardless of their culture, age or profession. As they set off for Chisinau, this feeling ran through the red and black travelling team, carrying with it the hope that everything will continue and that everything will go far. Very far.

In the plane that headed to Moldova, the local and national press were seated alongside the managers, the coach, the staff and the 23 players from Nice. This "national unity" delegation is not a first. It goes back to the Gym's return to Europe in 2016 and 2017. The health context allowed this return, as did the Gym's desire to move forward. For itself, for its supporters and for the whole country.

The whole delegation set foot in Moldova at 15:00, 14:00 French time. The arrival was accompanied by a few clouds, about fifteen degrees and, very quickly, beautiful sunshine, giving to this end of winter the feeling of spring, the season of all victories.

Before taking the field at the Zimbru stadium, Didier Digard and Dante took part in the press conference. The coach quickly set the scene: "It's quite exciting, very important for the team, for the club, I would even say for France. We may have less experience than Sheriff has had in recent years. But despite everything, we have put in a lot of effort to get here and we don't intend to give up now."

The Aiglons will train this Wednesday evening and then make their final adjustments on Thursday morning.

The first leg of the round of 16 will kick off on Thursday at 18:45 (French time).