In the race for the climb, Nîmes Olympique got tangled up but has to act as if.

After Sunday’s defeat in Andrézieux (4-1), the Crocos must regroup to now aim for at least the 2nd spot in National 2 group C and hope for a miracle on the final matchday.

Unrecognizable. The Crocos were unrecognizable, on Saturday, May 2nd in Andrézieux-Bouthéon where they suffered their seventh loss of the season, the heaviest (4-1).

The standings of National 2 group C

“We went from champagne football against Cannes to cheap wine football,” said one observer, while pointing out that “it’s difficult to always stay on top”. “It’s not easy to win matches,” echoed Mickaël Gas.

Many things were lacking

At the Envol Stadium, facing an opponent missing several key players (first starts for Jorjet in goal and Khoutri in defense), the Crocos lacked many things: clarity, inspiration, precision, success, energy, and drive, after the energy display against Cannes the previous week.

The expulsion of Dramé disrupted everything

Nîmes was caught off guard and “it’s hard to explain,” according to Vincent Pirès. Dramé’s expulsion disrupted the Crocos’ system, mentally affecting them. “It destabilized us, we couldn’t handle the match with ten men,” admitted Mickaël Gas.

Until then, his team wasn’t playing a great game, they weren’t brilliant but they were somewhat in control. After halftime, the house of cards collapsed.

The Crocos’ echoes

• Free kicks: The Crocos have only conceded two direct free-kick goals this season. Both against Andrézieux-Bouthéon!
• Goalposts: Depres and Pirès hit the woodwork in Andrézieux. It’s the 5th time this season a Croco shot has been denied by the post.
• Red card: Dramé was sent off in Andrézieux after two yellow cards, becoming the fourth Croco to see red this season after Sarr, Pirès, and Diallo.
• Passeur: Crosser for Khasa’s goal, Loubacky delivered his first decisive pass of the season. He is the 11th Croco to succeed in at least one assist.

Broken Spring

Stunned by Le Her’s direct free kick, Nîmes never managed to recover. The spring was broken. Depres described it as a “shipwreck. We didn’t put in the ingredients we wanted to and we were punished by a good team. National 2, it doesn’t forgive.”

Weakened, Nîmes left spaces, lost its usual structure, and was opened up and countered. Particularly, as lamented by Pirès, Nîmes was “outmuscled in duels and walked over.”

“We’ll do the math at the end”

“All disheartened” (Pirès) after this painful defeat that cost them the lead in Ligue 3 promotion race, Nîmes hasn’t given up, even if the heart might not be fully there anymore.

“We took a big blow, but we’ve always known how to bounce back and we still have to do it,” said Mickaël Gas.

“We have to get back to work, take 6 points against Istres and Limonest, and we’ll do the math at the end,” Pirès tried to be positive.

“We can’t afford to let go. Let’s do things right until the end of the season to avoid regrets, which would be the worst,” insisted Depres.

For President Cenatiempo, “there’s still something at stake”

Thierry Cenatiempo gave the same speech to the Croco group in the silent locker rooms on Saturday night.

“We don’t have the right or the time to be dejected and stay with our heads down, it’s impossible because we have a big match next Saturday against Istres,” highlighted the Nîmes Olympique president. “There’s still something at stake. We know that the second spot could be crucial and in that aspect, we still have control. With two wins, we would be sure to finish second.”

Regarding the top spot and promotion, Mr. Cenatiempo still wants to believe: “If we do our job, it will be a 50/50 chance.”

End-of-season calendar: Cannes (1st, 54 pts) goes to Rousset and hosts Saint-Maur; Saint-Maur (2nd, 54 pts) hosts Hyères and goes to Cannes; Nîmes (3rd, 53 pts) hosts Istres and goes to Limonest.