OGC Nice were unable to beat Strasbourg (1-1) on their home turf on Sunday in matchday 2 of Ligue 1. Andy Delort had given the Aiglons the lead before the break, but Kevin Gameiro equalised in the second half.

OGC Nice were back at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday afternoon, two weeks after beating Torino (1-0) in a friendly. This time with something at stake, in matchday 2 of Ligue 1. With Strasbourg, having been beaten in the opening match of the championship by Monaco (1-2), it was a tough challenge for the Côte d’Azur side. At the kick-off, Lucien Favre started two new signings: Kasper Schmeichel and Rares Ilie. The Swiss coach also put Amine Gouiri back in the middle, in support of Andy Delort in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and decided to start Mario Lemina in midfield. The two newcomers were essential right from the start of the match. The Romanian showed his vision on the left side, proving in the process that his partnership with Amine Gouiri has a bright future. The first chance of the game came from that side. In a move similar to the goal scored by Toulouse a week earlier, Khephren Thuram sent the ball into the box. Matz Sels, the Strasbourg goalkeeper, was on hand to push it away for a corner (10').

DELORT AND SCHMEICHEL KICK-START THE GYM

That chance sparked the Alsatian opponent back into the game. Adrien Thomasson and his team-mates were often looking for a way through and created two dangerous situations. However, they had to deal with a very solid performance from Kasper Schmeichel in the first half. The Danish goalkeeper made a number of excellent saves from Kevin Gameiro (16') and Alexander Djiku (23'). And most importantly, he reassured his team-mates, and they returned the favour at the other end of the pitch. The Danish keeper made a number of excellent saves from Kevin Gameiro (16') and Alexander Djiku (23'), and his team-mates returned the favour at the other end of the pitch. Gouiri was sent through on goal by Stengs a few seconds after Ilie's shot. The French U-21 international was brought down in the area and awarded a penalty. Andy Delort converted it, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way (34').

This lead gave Lucien Favre's team the upper hand. But it was taken away shortly after the break. Strasbourg were much more determined and had a first chance as soon as the match resumed. However, Schmeichel was still on hand to deny Diallo (46'). Ten minutes later, Kevin Gameiro did find the back of the net to level the game with a clever lob (56'). That was all it took to wake up the Gym, who were buoyed by four substitutions, including those of Aaron Ramsey (68') and Youcef Atal (75').

THE SUBSTITUES TRIED EVERYTHING

The Algerian international showed his ability from his first touch. A few minutes later, Jordan Lotomba tried his luck (82') but his shot was easily caught by Matz Sels. The RCSA goalkeeper saved again a few moments later from a very active Atal (84'). The last two opportunities from Ajorque (90') and Thuram (90+3') went begging. Despite their desire to win the game and the feeling that they perhaps deserved better, Gym came up against a solid Alsatian team who took advantage of their strong period (1-1).

TIME FOR EUROPE

On Thursday, the Aiglons will travel to Israel to take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off. A week later, Dante and his partners will return to the Allianz Riviera for the second leg. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of the week, with priority given to season ticket holders.

The Aiglons will also travel to Clermont (Matchday 3, Sunday at 15:00) between their two European matches.

T.M.