OGC Nice won the Riviera derby this Friday, opening the 6th day of Ligue 1 (1-0). A small feat which allows the Aiglons to take control of the championship.
The poster looked good. Leader at kick-off, AS Monaco hosted its neighbor Nice for a Riviera derby that was always very electric. And if the Aiglons had the opportunity to beat their rival by regaining first place in the event of a victory on the Rock, they also shared with their opponent a great unspeakable series since the start of the season, in addition to remaining on a convincing success at the Parc des Princes against PSG (3-2).
Seductive in their expression since the start of the season, Monegasques and Niçois however differ in their mode of action. If Francesco Farioli’s Aiglons had shone in the art of counterattacking in Paris, this team above all aspires to impose its mastery on its opponent, when Adi Hütter’s ASM adopts a more vertical approach. An opposition of styles which was reflected in a paradoxical first act. The Nice tried to impose their game from behind to weave their web, but it was the Monegasques who should have unlocked this match.
Bulka’s incredible feat
This was without taking into account the remarkable reflex ability of Marcin Bulka. The former PSG goalkeeper certainly experienced the most memorable evening of his young career by stopping two penalties in the same match – an unusual feat in a goalkeeping career. His first exploit came from the start, on an attempt by Balogun after a foul obtained by Golovine (8th). The second came at the same time, but at the start of the second act, again against Balogun (54th). Bluffing.
The young American international will remember this Riviera derby for a long time, too, since he found the goal with his powerful helmet shot just before half-time (45th + 4). A few thrills to thrill a lively Louis-II stadium a little more, in a pleasant derby where for a long time only the goals were missed. Because after the break, each team had its ammunition. It was even the locals who pushed in the last half hour, under the leadership of a still very influential Minamino, but the Japanese also came up against the Bulka wall (82nd).
The storm had passed. All that was missing was a spark to rock the evening. It was at this moment that Jérémie Boga entered the scene to stop time, with a lightning acceleration from his own camp, before finishing alone with a dry strike which hit the mark (0-1, 90th+ 1). High-flying action before the final whistle. Provisional leader thanks to this success, this Nice team has marrow. We will have to count on the Aiglons this season. For Monaco, it’s a first hitch after an almost perfect start.
