OGC Nice Reassert Champions League Hopes with Resounding Win
Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 23, 23/02/25 saw OGC Nice reaffirm their ambitions for a UEFA Champions League spot with a convincing 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Montpellier HSC. The match at the Allianz Riviera was a showcase of Nice’s dominance and Montpellier’s struggles, highlighting the stark contrast between a team on a winning streak and one battling for survival.
First Half: Dominance and Missed Opportunities
Nice’s almost total control of the match was evident from the early minutes, but the scoreboard at halftime did not fully reflect their dominance. Evann Guessand, who had been a consistent threat, had an early effort saved by Montpellier’s goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte. Despite this, Nice managed to break the deadlock with a well-executed goal by Jonathan Clauss. Clauss capitalized on a clever ball over the top from Guessand, finishing from a tight angle into the bottom corner. Gaëtan Laborde, who had been in scintillating form, squandered a golden opportunity from a Guessand cutback, his unpressured shot dribbling wide. Guessand himself was uncharacteristically wasteful, blasting an attempt over the bar. Despite these misses, Nice’s control of the game was evident, and Montpellier seemed content to cede possession and authority.
Second Half: Securing the Win
The second half saw no significant change in the dynamics. Montpellier, still reeling from their first-half performance, lacked the urgency to level the score. They were content to sit back, offering little in the way of threats. Nice, taking full advantage of their dominance, doubled their lead just after the hour mark. Once again, Guessand was instrumental in the build-up, using his pace to get behind the defense and play the ball across to Mohamed-Ali Cho. When Cho’s effort was blocked, the ball fell to Laborde, who calmly laid it back to Hicham Boudaoui for a simple side-footed finish. Despite further chances, Nice did not need to push harder for more goals. Montpellier had a late scare when substitute Ndiaye Junior struck the bar from close range, but the two goals were sufficient to secure the win and move Nice back into the Champions League places.
Player Ratings: OGC Nice
- Marcin Bulka (4): The Polish goalkeeper had a quiet evening, with little to do as Nice dominated proceedings.
- Dante (5): The experienced Brazilian defender was solid but not exceptional, handling his defensive duties without shining.
- Moïse Bombito (5): Bombito contributed to the defensive solidity but did not stand out in a game where Nice’s midfield and attack were the stars.
- Youssouf Ndayishimiye (5): Ndayishimiye was steady in defense, part of a backline that kept Montpellier at bay.
- Ali Abdi (5): Abdi was a reliable presence in the midfield, though he didn’t have the impact of some of his teammates.
- Baptiste Santamaria (3): Santamaria had one of his poorer performances, often opting for overly ambitious passes and losing the ball in key moments, including a dangerous turnover.
- Hicham Boudaoui (7): Boudaoui was one of the standout performers, providing a second-half assist and demonstrating his creative flair.
- Jonathan Clauss (7): Clauss’s well-taken goal and consistent performance earned him high marks, showcasing his importance to the team.
- Mohamed-Ali Cho (4): Cho had a mixed performance, missing a good chance and being less impactful than usual.
- Gaëtan Laborde (5): Laborde’s goal-scoring form continued, though he missed a few chances and could have been more clinical.
- Evann Guessand (6): Despite missing a couple of good chances, Guessand was at the heart of both goals, demonstrating his importance to Nice’s attack.
Player Ratings: Montpellier HSC
- Théo Sainte Luce (2): Sainte Luce struggled on his wing, unable to handle the combinations between Clauss, Boudaoui, and Guessand.
- Yaël Mouanga (2): Mouanga had a tough night, failing to provide any significant defensive or attacking contributions.
- Tanguy Coulibaly (5): Coulibaly was one of Montpellier’s more active players, with a few decent moments, including a shot that came close to scoring.
Conclusion: Implications for Both Teams
This victory not only solidifies OGC Nice’s Champions League aspirations but also highlights the need for Montpellier to find form quickly if they are to avoid relegation. Nice’s dominance, both in terms of possession and chances created, showcased their quality and depth, while Montpellier’s lackluster performance is a concerning sign for a team already battling at the lower end of the table. With this win, Nice reclaims their place in the top three, while Montpellier’s relegation fears intensify. The road ahead for both teams will be crucial in determining their fates in the remaining matches of the season.
