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·24 October 2024
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·24 October 2024
UEFA Europa League, Round 3, 24/10/24
OGC Nice remain without a win in this season’s edition of the UEFA Europa League after a timid performance in Hungary saw them lose 1-0 to Ferencvaros.
There was a lethargy throughout from Nice, who lacked intensity and afforded too much time and space to their opponents. Ferencvaros didn’t always have the quality to exploit it, but having taken the lead through Moïse Bombito’s own goal early on, they didn’t have to.
All of the major chances did fall to the Hungarian side with Nice, despite high possession, lacking any real incision and failing to provide the likes of Evann Guessand and the returning Gaëtan Laborde with the service to thrive. They were reliant on Marcin Bulka to keep them in the game, with the Poland international notably making a key save to deny Mohammed Abu Fani just before the break, after a Jonathan Clauss error created a two-on-one situation in favour of the hosts.
The arrival of Jérémie Boga for the second half added energy but the issues remained the same. Guessand had a couple of half chances but couldn’t take them, and whilst Ferencvaros’ forays into Nice’s half became increasingly infrequent as the game progressed when they did venture forward, they were much more incisive than their opponents.
Mohamed Abdelmonem was called into action, forced to save Barnabás Varga’s header off the line. It was Varga again moments later who almost got on the scoresheet minutes, but he couldn’t divert Adama Malouda Traoré’s ball across the goal into the back of the net at the back post.
But there was never a feeling of danger with Le Gym too slow and without ideas in possession. Those already low threat levels decreased further when Pablo Rosario was deservedly sent off late on. Ferencvaros held on for a deserved win, which leaves Nice without a win in the Europa League this season, whilst they only have two wins in all competitions this season. It doesn’t get any easier for Le Gym who face AS Monaco in the Derby de la Côte d’Azur on Sunday.
Marcin Bulka – 7
Not the perfect performance from the Polish goalkeeper, who may have done better on the goal and was guilty of pushing two shots back into danger. But his big save before half-time kept Nice in the game and for long periods, he was assured, making the saves that he would have been expected to make.
Antoine Mendy – 5
Moïse Bombito – 4
Mohamed Abdelmonem – 4
A more positive performance from the Egyptian, who made the clearance off the line and looked much more composed in possession, however, he blotted his copybook with his poor pass in behind Rosario, which led to the Dutchman’s red card.
Tom Louchet – 4
Pablo Rosario – 4
Hicham Boudaoui – 5
Jonathan Clauss – 4
Sofiane Diop – 5
Victim of a a severe head injury mid-way through the first half, he showed great determination to continue and was bright, connecting well with Clauss on several occasions, without ever creating a clear-cut chance. Replaced by Jérémie Boga (5) at the break. He added energy but little incision.
Evann Guessand – 5
Gaëtan Laborde – 3
Only recently returned from injury, Laborde was absent in this match, making just 15 touches and losing possession on four occasions.