A point taken in Nice is not a bad result. But Lille will have eternal regrets after the Aiglons equalized in the last second (2-2). A draw which does not suit anyone but which allows everyone to stay in their positions. Lille remains at the foot of the podium, a small point behind OM (3rd), two points ahead of their pursuers Nice and Lens.
After their repeated exploits in the Champions League, Bruno Genesio’s players hoped to reach the podium in the event of a victory in Nice. The opportunity was too good after Marseille’s rout on Friday against Auxerre (1-3).
This match looked very close on paper, between two teams who haven’t been joking for several weeks. It was, but like two boxers who fight blow after blow. This clash of contenders was spectacular and no one managed to bring down their opponent.
From the first period, the Northerners started the match in the best possible way. On their first opportunity, they opened the scoring thanks to Matias Fernandez-Pardo. For his first start, the Belgian rushes down his left side before heading towards Bulka’s area, which he mystifies with a right shot into the top corner (0-1, 17th).
Benjamin André’s teammates deprive the Aiglons of the ball. They logically return to the locker room with a fairly deserved and significant advantage.
From the start of the second period, the Niçois finally wake up thanks to Sofiane Diop, who plays the surface foxes by scoring with a Madjer after a slightly short exit from Chevalier (1-1, 56th). This goal absolutely does not disturb the Losc players. It only takes them ten minutes to regain the advantage.
It is still Fernandez-Pardo who is in charge. On his left wing, the Belgian sends a cross back for André. Bulka is beaten but is first saved by his post. The ball then returns to the feet of André who cleverly passes it to his left to Bakker who scores with authority (1-2, 66th).
This goal completely liberates Lille who are on the verge of scoring a third goal on a beautiful strike from Gudmundsson, who had just returned. His beautiful shot crashed into the post and kept the Niçois alive (81st).
Moreover, Ali Abdi barely needed to equalize but his shot brushed Luc Chevalier’s crossbar (84th). This match will be completely crazy until the end with an equalizer at the end of added time from Tom Louchet (90th + 6). Nice thus maintains its invincibility at home.
The joy of the people of Nice who come back from nowhere contrasts with the distress of the people of Lille, aware of having come very close to the big operation of the day.
