United, generous, players and role models: the Aiglons went to Lyon and battled for their first win of the season (1-0), putting in an excellent performance. Everything starts from here!

Defend, first of all. Hold on, puff out the chest, tighten the lines. Then stand together as a block. To drive forward, keep it tight at the back, and to battle for one and other to get the win for the supporters. In the inferno of the Groupama Stadium, the Gym knew what to expect. So the Gym prepared themselves, and Patrick Vieira, with a back five (Jallet and Boscagli at full-back and Hérelle-Dante-Sarr through the middle, set the scene for what was to come.

Starting in goal, Walter Benitez began a match during which he would become the hero, by making two saves in the first 7 minutes. Then the effect that the Nice coach was looking for was felt. During the first 45 minutes, the Aiglons defended in twos and the duos of Jallet – Hérelle and Sarr – Boscagli closed down the wings, whilst the midfield trio added density to the middle of the pitch. The result? The Gym suffered in the first half an hour, but held on, with generosity and application. A side-footed effort from Tousart struck Benitez’s post (13’), the Argentine stopper caught a strike from Memphis (22’), and the Red and Blacks progressively began to release the hold that the opposition had on the game. They began to play a short passing game and made the most of the crosses from Bosca’, Allan’s pace and Mario’s brilliance on his return to the starting eleven after completing his three match suspension…

After having suffered, they pulled out the gladiator’s sword, ready to pounce. A volley from the Italian striker, struck first time after a cross from Boscagli (22’), was a first warning (without consequence given that it was boxed away by Lopes and he was eventually given offside). The final quarter of an hour of the first half was promising, as Dante and co. took hold of possession and were only troubled by a free-kick (given for a questionable foul) taken by Fékir, which was finally smashed into the Nice wall.

Before returning to the changing rooms, the Gym secured several dead ball situations: albeit not causing any particular danger, but it paved the way for better things to come. A long-distanced effort from Bosca' just brushed the top of the bar, and the break came with a handful of hope for the away side.

Saint-Maximin on fire, Benitez on cloud nine

That hope was quickly reinforced as the teams began the second half, and finally materialised. On two occasions. The first came after Super Mario superbly flicked the ball on to Saint-Maximin who with a smart touch left Denayer in his wake, cut in towards goal, flicked the ball over the onrushing keeper… but found the underside of the bar (48').

Three minutes later, after a Lyon strike, the Niçois were finally rewarded fort their efforts. From a short corner, "ASM" cut inside and beat two defenders, before striking firmly towards goal. His effort was deflected off of the head of Marcelo and flew into the back of the net (1-0, 51').

After this, the storm attacked the Nice goal. The side stood up to be counted and Benitez raised the tone of the game. After a mix-up at the back, Fékir found the post before Ndombélé missed the target (57'). Then a free-kick from Memphis flew over and the former Quilmes man was exceptional to deny Fekir (72'). The home side then began to create chance after chance… and Benitez, once again, ensured victory for his side with an incredible double save: first of all with his hands to stop a header from Ndombélé, and then with his leg, to prevent Fekir’s strike (85').

Lyon continued to push, like at the beginning of the game, and the Gym held on like they did at the beginning of the game.

At the end of a magnificent match, the Niçois secured their first win of the season.

The season is underway!

C.D.

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