Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Matchday 25, March 9, 2025
Olympique Lyonnais defeated OGC Nice 2-0 at the Allianz Riviera, inflicting Nice’s first home loss in Ligue 1 this season. Lyon’s victory came as Nice’s coach Franck Haise and Lyon’s coach Paulo Fonseca watched from the stands, with Fonseca beginning his ban.
Match Summary
In challenging rainy conditions, Lyon initially struggled to gain control in the first half. Nice’s effective pressing strategy allowed them to dominate the early play. Nice created several chances, with Mohamed-Ali Cho and Evann Guessand forcing good saves from Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Nice’s best opportunity of the half fell to Gaëtan Laborde, but his close-range header was deflected onto the post by Moussa Niakhaté.
Nice continued to control the game at the start of the second half. Laborde missed a promising attack with a poor pass. However, around the hour mark, Lyon began to assert themselves. Corentin Tolisso came close to scoring with a header.
Unlike the first half, Lyon maintained sustained pressure, eventually breaking through Nice’s defense after substitutions. Rayan Cherki, just off the bench, scored the opening goal following an error by Moïse Bombito and assists from Tolisso and Thiago Almada. Minutes later, Lyon doubled their lead. Almada again provided the assist, this time for Ernest Nuamah, who scored a brilliant long-range goal to secure the win and end Nice’s unbeaten home record.