Jérémie Boga scored his first goal with Nice. VALERY HACHE / AFP
A Côte d’Azur derby that took a long time to take shape. Nice leaves Monaco with the three points of victory (1-0).
The Côte d’Azur derby has delivered its verdict: at the end of a long undecided derby, it is Nice which takes the reins of Ligue 1 by winning on the lawn of the previous leader, Monaco, thanks to a splendid goal from Boga (90+1st). A victory before the eyes of the owner of the Nice club, Jim Ratcliffe, who can thank his goalkeeper, Bulka, who saved two penalties (12th, 54th).
Between two teams with a shimmering style since the start of the season, the technical level was high for a Ligue 1 meeting, at the opening of the 6th day. The Rocher club stood out first by obtaining a generous penalty after Lotomba collided with Golovin. For his first start under his new colors, and with the presence of Ben Yedder on the bench, Balogun took his responsibilities but completely missed his shot (12th).
The Aiglons, who remain undefeated with three wins and three draws, raised their heads and put their foot on the ball. Diop got himself a good situation with a header that was too centered (30th), then the former Monegasque tried his luck again at the entrance to the area, in vain (32nd). Well contained, Moffi gave the visitors a little thrill with his hooks (37th, 71st).
Balogun’s nightmare
Balogun, who arrived in the off-season for a substantial check (€40M), had a second opportunity to unlock his home goal counter, a new rather contentious penalty. And the American international once again saw his attempt stopped by Bulka (54th). Nice pushed at the end of the match, via a header from Ndayishimiye which found the crossbar (77th), then Boga found the opening with a personal exploit (90+1) following a slalom in the opposing defense.
For the Gym supporters, who attach importance to this derby, it is a second consecutive victory at the Louis II stadium, after last season’s defeat (3-0, in February). On the other hand, for Adi Hütter’s men, it is the first defeat of the season and a setback.
