PSG or Bayern: who is the favorite?
Video credit: Eurosport
Lille struggles, Nice can breathe. This Saturday, during the 30th matchday of Ligue 1, LOSC was held to a draw at home by OGC Nice (0-0). The Dogues were contained throughout the match by a remarkable defense from Nice. Bruno Genesio’s players failed to take advantage of Marseille’s defeat to widen the gap in the race for the third place, which Lyon could reclaim with a victory against PSG. For Nice, this point earned following a satisfactory performance will be a significant relief in this tense end of the season.
Lille was unrecognizable. Usually capable of offering an aggressive and vertical game, the Lille players never found that edge. The midfielders, stifled by the opponent’s activity, were unable to deliver interesting balls to their forwards. As a result, the forwards were mostly found stranded on the touchline. Most of the time, it was the Niçois who won the duel and prevented the Dogues from approaching the penalty area. The only solution was a long-range shot by Romain Perraud (8th minute). But that, deflected by a Niçois player, only allowed Yehvann Diouf to warm up his gloves superbly.
The Mbappé spark did not ignite
Ethan Mbappé’s entrance was a breath of fresh air for this suffocated LOSC. On the right wing, replacing an uninspired Ngal’ayel Mukau and his attacking teammates, the former Parisian first made his presence felt with his physicality. Then he showcased his vision with several interesting switches and a few well-thought-out passes. However, he failed to help the northern team score, which ultimately only had two shots on target.
This disappointing performance of Lille puts a dent in the machinery of a podium race that promises to be even more thrilling. On the other side of the table, Claude Puel’s group will have the opportunity to confirm their ability to gain points against the giants of the league, as they will travel to the Vélodrome before hosting RC Lens and playing what is already being seen as the relegation final on Auxerre’s turf.
