OGC Nice came out on top (1-3) against Strasbourg at La Meinau this Sunday on Matchday 31 of Ligue 1 and in doing so, strengthen their position in 5th place in the league.

Le Gym couldn't have ended their three-game week better! Nine days after the victory (3-0) against Lorient, four days after the draw (2-2) in Marseille, Francesco Farioli's men concluded the last match of their trio of matches with a well-deserved victory in Strasbourg (1-3). While they had earned their first point after trailing this season at the Vélodrome, the Rouge et Noir did even better this Sunday as they won a match after conceding the opening goal for the first time this season.

However, it wasn't all easy for the Nice squad this afternoon. With a slightly revamped eleven compared to the one that started Mediterranean derby (Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Hicham Boudaoui and Evann Guessand started in place of Antoine Mendy, Morgan Sanson and Terem Moffi), Les Azuréens were shaken at the start of the match. Indeed, driven forward by an always passionate crowd, Patrick Vieira's men quickly made an impression through Dilane Bakwa, who struck a powerfully against the post early in the game (4'). Les Aiglons managed to react thanks to Evann Guessand, whose shot from outside the box narrowly flew over Alaa Bellaarouch's crossbar (9'), it was the side from Alsace that had the upper hand in the first quarter of an hour.

GUESSAND AND CHO RALLIED THE TROOPS

A real nuisance with his runs and physicality, Emanuel Emegha forced Marcin Bułka to quickly get down to deflect his low shot (15'), The punishment then followed a few minutes later. Following a tackle from Thomas Delaine, Emegha won his duel with JC Todibo before striking at goal. Once again, it was well saved by the Nice goalkeeper. But this time, Bakwa followed up and gave his side the lead (0-1, 18').

Shaken by their opponent's intensity, the Rouge et Noir gradually took control of the game. And under the impetus of Guessand, whose shot on the turn nearly caught out Bellaarouch (35'), and Mohamed-Ali Cho, who was tireless with his efforts on the right flank, they eventually levelled the score. Found in behind Delaine, Nice's winter reinforcement made the difference before being fouled in the box by his opponent. Guessand then converted the penalty without hesitation, scoring his 7th goal of the season in Ligue 1 (6th in Ligue 1) with a perfect shot (1-1, 44').

A SYMBOLIC GOAL FOR DANTE

Building on their strong end to the first half, Les Aiglons dominated the second half, showing much more impact in their duels and pressing. It was indeed following a good phase of pressure in the opponent's half that Le Gym earned a corner. Perfectly struck by Boga, it was met by Dante, who scored with a powerful header to give Nice the lead (1-2, 52'). A first goal this season, which was symbolic for the Nice captain, who at 40 years and 193 days became the third oldest scorer in the history of the French league since 1947/1948.

A CONTROLLED END TO THE MATCH

Well organised and strengthened by the contributions of the substitutes, OGC Nice then controlled the end of the match. It was thanks to two of changes that they extended their lead. Perfectly served by Romain Perraud, Morgan Sanson controlled, dribbled, and managed a classy toe-poke finish to score his second goal in three matches to provide a comfortable lead for his side. Despite a late scare, with Moïse Sahi Dion's shot deflected by Rosario hitting Bułka's post (90+1'), Les Aiglons could confidently approach the end of the match.

Undefeated in four matches, Le Gym consolidated their 5th place, awaiting the remaining matches this weekend.

Les Aiglons now have their destiny in their own hands as they approach the final stretch of the season. After two weeks of rest, they will host Le Havre (10 May at 9pm) before welcoming Paris (15 May, 9pm) and traveling to Lille (19 May, 9pm) to conclude the 2023/2024 season.

Hugo Rondet