In a compelling display of clinical finishing, Nice emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire in the 19th round of Ligue 1. Mohamed-Ali Cho was the standout performer, netting twice in the first half, while Sofiane Diop and late substitute Tanguy Louchet added to the tally, ensuring a commanding win for the visitors. Mostafa Mohamed managed to pull one back for Nantes just before the break, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
First-Half Dominance by Nice
The match began with intensity as Nantes' Johann Lepenant received a yellow card in the 9th minute. Nice capitalized on their early momentum, with Cho finding the net in the 16th minute, assisted by Jonathan Clauss. Just 13 minutes later, Cho doubled his tally, receiving a pass from Morgan Sanson. Despite Nantes' attempts to regain control, Sofiane Diop added another for Nice in the 40th minute. Nantes found a glimmer of hope when Mostafa Mohamed scored in stoppage time of the first half, assisted by Chidozie Awaziem.
Nantes' Possession Fails to Yield Results
Despite dominating possession with 56%, Nantes struggled to convert their ball control into concrete chances. They managed 20 shots, but only five were on target, a testament to Nice's disciplined defensive setup. Nice, on the other hand, were ruthlessly efficient, scoring four goals from just six shots, three of which were on target. The decisive fourth goal came in the dying moments of the game from Louchet, sealing a comprehensive victory for Nice.
Statistics Highlight Efficiency Over Control
Nantes' abundance of shots failed to trouble Nice's defense, pointing to a lack of precision in the final third. Their 76% pass completion rate and zero offsides highlight a team comfortable in possession but lacking penetration. Nice's tactical discipline and sharp counter-attacking were the keys to their success, with Clauss providing critical support, contributing with a high player rating and two key passes.
Looking Ahead
Nice's victory continues their impressive form, suggesting a growing confidence as they push for higher placement in the league standings. Nantes, however, must reflect on their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their attacking efficiency. With the form book showing inconsistency, Nantes will need resilience to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
