In a tightly contested Ligue 1 encounter, Nice and Monaco ended in a goalless draw at the Allianz Riviera. The match, held on February 8, 2026, saw both teams demonstrate solid defensive performances without finding the decisive breakthrough.
Defensive Stalwart Performances
From the outset, it was evident that both teams were intent on keeping things tight at the back. Monaco's Folarin Balogun and Nice's Sofiane Diop received early yellow cards within the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for a cautious approach. Despite Nice's 44% possession, they managed 13 shots but were unable to convert, with Monaco’s organized defense proving a significant barrier.
Tactical Substitutions and Key Moments
The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as both managers tried to break the deadlock. Nice introduced Gabin Bernardeau and Tanguy Ndombele in the 64th minute, while Monaco responded with four changes including Aleksandr Golovin, seeking fresh impetus. However, neither side was able to capitalize on these changes. Only two shots on target from Monaco highlighted their struggles to penetrate Nice's disciplined setup.
Numbers Tell the Story
The statistics painted a picture of a balanced match with Monaco edging ball possession at 56% and Nice earning eight corners, indicating their attempts to press forward. In defense, Ali Abdi stood out with six dribble attempts and seven duels won, reflecting a solid outing despite the scoreline. Meanwhile, Monaco's Thilo Kehrer impressed with nine duels won and a team-high player rating of 8.
Looking Ahead
The result leaves Nice with a mixed form over their last five matches, including a significant 3-1 victory in the Europa League. Monaco, on the other hand, continues to show resilience, having recently secured a silver performance with a draw at Le Havre. Both teams will look to convert defensive solidity into attacking effectiveness in their upcoming fixtures to climb the standings.
