Nice Secures Crucial Victory
In a thrilling encounter on Sunday, Nice achieved a much-needed 4-1 victory over Nantes, marking their first win in Ligue 1 since late October. Forward Mohamed-Ali Cho was the star of the match, netting a brace to elevate his season tally to five goals. Cho, who made headlines in 2021 when he joined Angers as the youngest player in France to sign a professional contract, showcased his talent once again.
Match Highlights
The victory also featured contributions from mid-fielders Sofiane Diop and Tom Louchet, while Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed provided a consolation goal for Nantes. Nice had been struggling, having not secured a league win since their last match against Lille on October 29.
Coaching Changes and Team Revival
Under the leadership of coach Claude Puel, who has taken the reins amidst a tumultuous period following a nine-match losing streak, Nice has shown signs of revival. Puel, who has only lost once in his five games since stepping in for Franck Haise, brings a stringent managerial style that seems to be stabilizing the team’s performance. This is Puel’s second term with Nice, having previously coached the club from 2012 to 2016, where he notably helped former talent Hatem Ben Arfa regain his form.
Off the Pitch Support
Off the pitch, Nice continues to be supported by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, whose chemical company Ineos has been backing the team since 2019.
Other Ligue 1 Action
In other Ligue 1 action over the weekend, Lyon faced Metz, while Lille took on Strasbourg. The day before, Marseille extended their good run with a 3-1 victory over Lens, maintaining pressure on league leader Paris Saint-Germain, who narrowly clinched a 1-0 win at Auxerre with a late goal. Additionally, Lille has secured a contract extension with Icelandic midfielder Hákon Haraldsson, who will remain with the team until 2030, having already scored 19 goals in 102 appearances since joining from Copenhagen in 2023.
