This Saturday OGC Nice were beaten at the Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain in matchday 25 of Ligue 1 (1-2).

What a frustrating Saturday for the Aiglons! In a freezing Parc des Princes they showed a fantastic side to their play and pushed PSG to the limit by attacking with aplomb and being solid in defence. But up against last year’s Champions League finalists, despite the performance Nice were defeated after their opponents’ ruthlessness having put away their best chance in the second half to give them three points.

Continuity and consistency were today’s key words. First of all because Adrian Ursea picked the same eleven that defeated Angers a week ago. A 4-3-3 formation for the fourth game in a row with a centre back partnership of Saliba and Todibo, Pelmard on the right of defence, Kamara on the left and Boudaoui in defensive midfield.

It was about spirit and hard work. Behind after a serious but timid first half after a goal from Draxler after Kehrer crossed from the right hand side and Icardi hit the post with his attempt (1-0, 22’). The Rouge et Noir didn’t give up though and accept the fate that often comes when teams face PSG.

Gouiri hits the bar on the hour mark

In the second half Adrian Ursea’s men came back onto the pitch with much more attacking intent. They were pushed on by the Rony Lopes – Alexis Claude-Maurice duo to disturb the opposition defence. And the Portuguese forward created a bit of magic to equalise. The man on loan from Sevilla went to take on Kimpembe. He cut onto his right foot instead of his usual left and hammered the ball into the back of the net (1-1, 50’).

Galvanised by the equaliser, there was a real desire to put the reigning champions under pressure by getting the win and taking risks rather than parking the bus.

The Niçois created a lot of chances (click here to see them) but the best one was Gouiri’s. After being played in by Myziane after a rapid counter attack the number 11 smashed the ball left-footted off the crossbar (61’). Fifteen minutes later despite more Nice chances (by Rony Lopes and Hicham Boudaoui), Paris took the lead as Mbappé found Icardi who laid it back with one touch to Kean who finished the game off with a header (2-1, 76’).

After that the Aiglons pushed on without success.

They will need to play with the same impetus on Wednesday against Marseille to get back on track in the best way after tonight’s performance.

The game in pictures

Jean-Clair Todibo

Amine Gouiri

Rony Lopes’ goal

Amine Gouiri’s strike onto the bar

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