This Sunday, OGC Nice were defeated by the Stade Rennais in matchday 14 of Ligue 1 (0-1).

It was a tough Sunday afternoon at the Allianz Riviera. After the draw against Reims last week stopped a poor run of form, the Gym were looking to build on that improvement today. Unfortunately, it didn’t prove to be the case. The Aiglons started the game well in their 3-4-3 formation with Boudaoui on the right hand side of attack but couldn’t make the most of that domination, and that proved costly in the end. One of the chances epitomized the lack of cutting edge: Claude-Maurice’s shot off target (8’). After a nice bit of pressing, Morgan Schneiderlin won the ball back high up the pitch, passed to Reine-Adelaïde who played the number 10 in but he Claude-Maurice’s attempt went wide (8’).

That kind of play carried on for the first half hour until Niang pounced onto a Danilo error to open the scoring with a powerful strike (0-1, 28’). That goal calmed the Rennais down and they began to play with more confidence making the most of their speed on the wings and their target man (Mbaye Niang). The Gym created a few more chances before the break, with Claude-Maurice and Gouiri trying their luck without any real danger. At the other end Benitez saved his time as did Gouiri whose overhead kick off the line stopped Aguerd from scoring (15’).

In the second half, Rennes had the better of things and created numerous chances that they didn’t make the most of. An impressive Walter Benitez was to blame for those missed chances.

As the minutes rolled on, Adrian Ursea brought some fresh legs on. Kasper Dolberg made his way back after being absent since the game against Monaco. An injured Danilo made way for Bambu and Thuram reinforced the midfield. The score didn’t change though.

The Aiglons will be able to bounce back on Wednesday against Nîmes.

The match in pictures

Hicham Boudaoui played on the right flank

A battle between Camavinga and Reine-Adelaïde

Despite working hard Amine Gouiri wasn’t rewarded for his efforts in the first half

Solid work from Stanley Nsoki

Walter Benitez

Kasper Dolberg was back on the pitch

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