Les Aiglons put in a superb performance to beat RC Lens 2-0 on Saturday on Matchday 21 of Ligue 1. Dominant from start to finish, they were rewarded with goals from Gaëtan Laborde and Jonathan Clauss.

It was a fine Saturday at the Allianz Riviera. With the club honouring its record-breakers before the game, and captain Dante celebrating his 300th game in red and black, Franck Haise's men put in a solid performance to deservedly beat RC Lens 2-0 in an important top-of-the-table clash. Frustrated by Toulouse's late equaliser in Ligue 1 last Sunday (1-1) and stunned by their cruel 2-1 loss to Stade Briochin in the Coupe de France on Wednesday, Les Aiglons knew that a reaction was expected.

Facing them was Lens (6th with 33 points), a rival for European places. Evann Guessand and Co knew there was added pressure before the game, with Le Gym holding just a one-point lead over the Nordistes at the start of Matchday 21. Will Still's men are the third-best away team in Ligue 1 and have the best defence in the league, making them a tough opponent for a Rouge et Noir side anxious to get back on track.

A FLYING START TO THE MATCH

Expected and hoped for, the bounce back did indeed happen. Impressive in their efforts and constant pressing, with the ability to play it quickly and create numerous chances, Les Aiglons took the game by the scruff of the neck. Evann Guessand very quickly thought he had opened the scoring after a high recovery from Hicham Boudaoui, who was ferocious in midfield. But when Mohamed-Ali Cho played him in, Nice's top scorer was denied his 10th Ligue 1 goal of the season (his 11th in all competitions) after his strike partner inadvertently tripped Adrien Thomasson in the build-up (5').

It was a false joy, but not one to discourage Franck Haise's troops, who immediately went forward again. Three minutes later, it was Thomasson who stepped on the foot of a Nice player in the area, in this case Boudaoui. Logically awarded by Mr Lissorgue, the penalty was calmly converted by Gaëtan Laborde, who continues his goalscoring form (1-0, 10'). With his 7th goal in the last 8 games in Ligue 1, Le Gym's experienced number 24 confirmed his side's excellent start.

Ayant appris de leurs erreurs commises lors des derniers matchs, les Rouge et Noir ne se sont pas arrêtés de jouer, désireux d'enfoncer le clou. Mais ni "Momo" Cho, auteur d'une frappe à ras-de-terre (16e), ni Jonathan Clauss, dont la reprise en extension est passée proche de faire mouche (23e), ne sont parvenus à battre un Hervé Koffi impressionnant ce samedi. 

Sereins défensivement, les Aiglons n'ont rien concédé à leurs adversaires, à l'exception d'une intervention manquée de Moïse Bombito devant Goduine Koyalipou. Mais, l'international canadien, qui ne lâche jamais rien, s'est rattrapé en sortant un tacle décisif, alors que l'attaquant s'apprêtait à armer face à Marcin Bułka (22e).

Having learnt from their mistakes in recent games, the Rouge et Noir did not stop playing, eager to add to their lead. But neither ‘Momo’ Cho, who fired in a low shot (16'), nor Jonathan Clauss, who went close with a volley (23'), were able to beat an impressive Hervé Koffi.

Defensively calm, Les Aiglons didn't give an inch to their opponents, apart from Moïse Bombito's mistimed challenge in front of Goduine Koyalipou. But the Canadian international, who never gives up, made up for it with a decisive tackle just as the striker was about to shoot at Marcin Bułka (22').

CLAUSS BREAKS THE NET

Dante and Co went into the break with a slender lead after probably deserving more from their dominance. They were just lacking some precision at the end of moves and failed to convert their often dangerous counter-attacks into goals.

But without panicking, and despite missing two great chances through Boudaoui (50’), they continued to attack. In the end, it was former Lens player Clauss who gave Le Gym the goal to seal the points. The French full-back was rewarded for his audacity after playing a corner quickly with Cho. Ideally placed in the box, the French international unleashed a powerful shot that flew in off the underside of Koffi's bar (2-0, 64').

LE GYM AT LEAST 4TH

Clauss's magnificent second goal for Nice brought relief to the entire Allianz Riviera. Just like the second yellow card, leading to a red, received by Facundo Medina shortly before the hour mark (57'). In total control in the final 20 minutes, Les Aiglons continued to create chances, but neither Melvin Bard (77') nor Evann Guessand, who dribbled past the keeper (79'), managed to score.

The evening ended on a high note after Dante was brought off to a standing ovation from the stadium and his team-mates at the end of a 300th match with Nice. With 37 points on the board, Les Niçois have temporarily climbed onto the Ligue 1 podium and are guaranteed to finish Matchday 21 in fourth place at the very least. This bodes well for their visit to Le Havre on Sunday 16 February (5.15pm).

Hugo Rondet