OGC Nice put their recent struggles behind them with a clinical 3-0 victory over Lorient at the Allianz Riviera. The win extends their lead over European hopefuls Lyon to six points and pushes Lorient ever closer to the relegation zone.
Nice came into the match desperate for a win after a string of disappointing results. They controlled possession early on but failed to truly test Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo. The visitors almost took the lead against the run of play when Mohamed Bamaba fired a shot straight at Marcin Bułka.
Lorient’s resistance was short-lived, though. Morgan Sanson put Nice ahead midway through the first half with a powerful strike after winning the ball back near the box. He nearly doubled the lead before halftime but saw his shot sail just wide.
Boga Doubles the Lead, Lorient Struggle to Respond
The second half mirrored the first, with Nice dominating possession and creating chances. They doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart through Jérémie Boga. The Ivorian winger received a deflected pass in the box, cut inside, and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner.
Lorient rarely threatened, with their best chance falling to Imran Louza, who saw his shot heroically blocked by a Nice defender. The home side put the game to bed in the dying moments when Evann Guessand finished calmly after a pinpoint pass from Jean-Clair Todibo.
Nice Eye Europe, Lorient Face Relegation Battle
The win puts Nice firmly in the fight for European qualification, while Lorient finds themselves precariously perched just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Their four-year spell in Ligue 1 could be coming to an end unless they can find a way to turn things around quickly.
Man of the Match: Jérémie Boga (OGC Nice)
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