The worst was within the reach of OGC Nice. Thirty-fifth and penultimate in the Europa League last season, the Gym was 36th and last in the standings after six days, with no points on the clock.
For Claude Puel’s team, already eliminated, the only challenge was to save honor, by winning at least one match, and stopping a series that was shameful to say the least (17 European matches without a victory, including eight defeats in a row). It’s done with this victory against a weak Go Ahead Eagles team (3-1).
With a reshuffled formation, and many absentees, Nice moved in the right direction with Charles Vanhoutte’s opening score on a cross from Tom Louchet (1-0, 10th). After a post for the Dutch and a big scare in the area (31st), Tiago Gouveia doubled the lead with a nice shot (2-0, 41st).
Nice, the ordeal is almost over
After a bar for Kevin Carlos (50th), Tiago Gouveia scored twice on a cross from Mohamed-Ali Cho (3-0, 59th). This allowed the Azuréens not to tremble too much after the reduction of the gap signed by Stokkers (3-1, 68th).
So this is a little relief for the Gym, which will be able to approach its trip to Nantes on Sunday in Ligue 1 with more serenity. There will then be a trip to Bulgaria, to the Ludogorets field, to put an end to what will remain a European ordeal.
