OGC Nice fell to defeat on Thursday against Slavia Prague on Matchday 4 of the Europa League (1-3). Although not mathematically out of the competition, Patrick Vieira’s side no longer have their destiny in their own hands and will need an incredible turnaround in order to be able to continue their European campaign.

The hope lasted for three minutes. Enough time for Amine Gouiri to get the equaliser on the hour mark (61’ 1-1 ), before Slavia retook the lead and this time for good (64’ 1-2). Les Aiglons made the most of a strong period thanks to their n°11, but the Czech side’s press brought them down and Le Gym were put to bed when Sima headed past Benitez (76’ 1-3).

Before that, an incredible strike from Lingr had given the visitors the lead in the 13th minute of the game (13’ 0-1).

Aside from the goals, how did Le Gym play? They looked dangerous for a 30 minute period spanning both sides of the break. They hit the post on three occasions with Claude-Maurice in the first half, then Reine-Adelaïde and Atal in the second – the Algerian’s strike being turned home by Gouiri. Set-up in a 4-3-3, Les Aiglons looked to bring pace to the game, but were eventually punished by a side with greater experience in the competition, who were able to make the difference in the key moments of the game.

Les Aiglons are now unable to catch Slavia in the league table. They can only hope to overtake Bayer Leverkusen, in what would be an incredible masterstroke. In order to do so, they would need to beat the German side, who came out on top this evening against Beer Sheva (4-1) by four goals and hope that they don’t pick up a point in their final group stage match.

The match in photos 

eff Reine-Adelaïde starting in the Rouge et Noir midfield

A huge chance for Claude-Maurice who, after a smart pass from Myziane, hit the post with his effort on goal (19')

Rony Lopes 

Capitain Schneiderlin

Amine Gouiri 

In the 37th minute, Myziane thought he had got the equaliser… but the assistant referee flagged for an extremely tight offside

Youcef Atal on the right of the back four

Walter Benitez

Amine Gouiri got the goal that gave his side hope (61'). His fourth goal in four Europa League matches

 

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