At the end of an entertaining match, OGC Nice won their final pre-season friendly match with a 3-2 victory behind closed doors over Rennes, 3-2 at Allianz Riviera.

Undefeated during preseason (4 wins, 1 draw), qualified for the next Champions League and a solid 3rd in the last Ligue 1 season, Stade Rennais rode a wave of confidence into the County. Julien Stéphan's men put their opponents under intense pressure from the outset. For half an hour, Les Aiglons were forced back and struggled to find Kasper Dolberg in attacking positions. Aguerd's header from Bourigeaud's free-kick gave Rennes the lead (0-1, 31'). Nice were stunned and shaken, but they were quick to react via Youcef Atal. The Algerian waged a stunning battle throughout the match with Faitout Maouassa, full of running and determination. He seemed to get faster and faster with every minute, and won a penalty 5 minutes before the break, after a one-two with Thuram.

As in Liege, Dolberg concluded Atal's work from the penalty spot (1-1, 43'). The goal confirmed that the Côte d’Azur side was back in the game and it was Rennes that retreated as Nice advanced. Under pressure from Lees-Melou, Martin’s pass back to the ‘keeper was under-hit and Thuram pounced, chipping the ball over the advancing Salin to net a sumptuous goal (2-1, 45').

Les Rouge et Bleu led at the break. After the break, they controlled the game, dominating possession. Full of running and comfortable with a short passing game, Dante and Co. extended their lead with a long ball over the top. The captain sending Youcef away, only for Maouassa to cut him down and, as in the first half, the Danish centre-forward converted from the spot (3-1, 62').

Le Gym continued to press forward, with Schneiderlin setting the tempo and Claude-Maurice a constant threat in attack. Patrick Vieira, like his counterpart, made numerous changes. And while his men slowly made their way to a final "friendly" victory, the debate was revived by a Terrier penalty, following a foul by Sylvestre on Camavinga (3-2, 88').

But Le Gym held on to win. Dan Ndoye, freshly arrived from Lausanne-Sport, came on at the 83rd minute and played his first minutes in his new colours.

Now it's time for the last week of work before the championship begins next Sunday against Lens (behind closed doors, kick-off at 17:00 CEST at Allianz Riviera).

The match in photos :

Alexis Claude-Maurice

Hassane Kamara on the left-hand channel

Khephren Thuram netted in the 45th minute

Amine Gouiri 

Youcef Atal

Kasper Dolberg celebrates his first penalty

Morgan Schneiderlin played his first match at Allianz Riviera for Le Gym

Youcef Atal was excellent and earned two penalties, both scored by Dolberg

Second-half substitute Dan Ndoye made his debut at Allianz Riviera

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