A few weeks ago, Nice was 2nd in Ligue 1. The people of Nice dreamed of hearing the music of the Champions League next year at the Allianz Riviera. The Coupe de France was to be a small additional gift to an extraordinary season.
This Sunday, all the counters are reset to zero or almost. The Coupe de France is still a goal but it could be the only one. Le Gym sank this Sunday at Felix Bollaert and qualification for the finest of European competitions seems unattainable.
Yet everything started perfectly in Lens. The Niçois outclass the Lensois throughout the first period. Especially since Massadio Haïdara is expelled after a sole on the knee of Youcef Atal. The RCL will have to evolve to 10 against 11.
When they return from the locker room, the Gym only has to score to establish their domination. Overconfidence or feverishness on the part of Christophe Galtier’s men, the fact remains that Nice sinks in the 2nd half.
51st minute, Arnaud Kalimuendo, who came into play at the break, opened the scoring. A few minutes later Cheick Doucouré breaks with a bright shot from the right which ends up in the opposite corner of Walter Benitez. To continue the descent into hell of the people of Nice, Mario Lemina collects his 2nd yellow card, he is expelled. Even before the hour mark, the Aiglons ruin everything.
Lensois and Nice find themselves 10 against 10, with a 2-goal lead for the Sang et Or. The Lensois finish the job. Kalimuendo offers himself a double. The Gym loses 3-0 and its captain Dante, in turn expelled in the last seconds of the match.
A meeting to forget for Nice. The Niçois will have to remobilize if they don’t want to lose everything at the end of the season.