In their fifth European outing of the season, Le Gym fell to defeat at home against Bayer Leverkusen (2-3). And although there is still one group stage game still to come, Nice, who sit in 3rd place will not make it into the Round of 32.

The masterstroke was’t to be. In order to retain even a glimpse of hope of qualifying, Les Aiglons needed to reverse the heavy goal difference that they suffered in their first match against Bayer Leverkusen (6-2). And although they created the first real chance of the encounter in the fourth minute - Myziane breaking into the box before Claude-Maurice’s effort missed the target - Les Aiglons weren’t able to take a hold of the game. Against a side looking to keep the ball (63% possession), Les Rouge et Noir spent a good part of the match in their own half.

From the very first chance that fell to the German side, they fell behind. A beautifully weighted ball over the top found Diaby, who volleyed into the back of the net (22, 0-1). The start of a game of cat and mouse on the scoreboard. Les Azuréens struck back in the minutes that followed. After a Gouiri free-kick, Kamara got the equaliser from the edge of the box with his first goal in a competitive match for Nice (1-1, 26’). Six minutes after the full-back’s goal, Dragovic found himself unmarked in the box and turned home Amiri’s corner to reinstate the visitors’ lead (32', 1-2).

Like they had done after the opener, the home side reacted quickly and got back to level terms after the break. From another free-kick, Hradecky parried and Ndoye mopped up to tap the ball home (47', 2-2). The Swiss forward’s second goal in the competition. For the third time in the match, Leverkusen got themselves ahead. Once again from a set piece, Baumgartlinger rose highest at the front post to head the ball into the back of the net (52’, 2-3).

This time, Les Aiglons couldn’t peg their opposition back and left the match empty-handed. They will leave the Europa League next Thursday after a trip to Hapoël Beer-Sheva (6.55pm). Before that, they will travel to Reims on Sunday in Ligue 1 (Matchday 13, 5pm).

The match in images:

Myziane in the box

Danilo

Lotomba and Diaby battle

Volley and goal for Kamara

​Reine-Adélaïde

Claude-Maurice up against Tah

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