Ligue 1: Nice continues and takes (temporarily?) the lead

Nice continues its march forward after logically winning on the field of Clermont (1-0) on a goal from Hicham Boudaoui, Friday in the opening match of the 10th day of Ligue 1, a result which allows it to temporarily take the lead in the ranking. Le Gym (22 points), the only team in the championship still undefeated, is two lengths ahead of Monaco, which however has one more match to play, Sunday in Lille. For their part, the Clermontois, who remain seventeenth with five points, were unable to confirm their victory acquired in Lyon last Sunday (2-1). They still haven't won at home this season.

Boudaoui found the opening in the second half by taking at point blank range a cross delivered from the left wing by Romain Perraud and slightly deflected by Andy Pelmard (74th). Nice, which has not conceded a goal in its last five matches, and which won for the fourth time with a score of 1-0, deserved to achieve its sixth success this season against four draws.

The Aiglons should have already led in the first period during which Gaëtan Laborde missed a penalty logically awarded for a foul by Alidu Seidu on Hicham Boudaoui (35th). The former Montpellier sent the ball over the top. But the Azuréens, without Terem Moffi at the kick-off, sitting on the bench in favor of Evann Guessand, could also have scored on an action by Laborde who found the post then Mory Diaw after a cross delivered from the left wing (10) before pulling over (12). Finally, Maximiliano Caufriez found himself in the path of an attempt by Morgan Sanson just before half-time (43rd).

The Niçois, with an impeccable grid of the field and good collective organization, however made a strong impression in the first period, monopolizing the ball (63% possession) and stifling their completely harmless opponents. Clermont, despite a good reaction in the second half of the match, more balanced, only obtained two corners (86th, 89th) and did not create any opportunity worthy of the name during the game except for a shot from Habib Keita skimming the outside of the post (90).

After Boudaoui's goal, Nice was again dangerous with a shot from Jeremie Boga diverted by Diaw who then intervened in front of Aliou Baldé in the continuity of the action (81st). At the end of the game, the Niçois, who ultimately only scored five times compared to three for the Auvergne, once again demonstrated their defensive solidity by resisting the pressure exerted by their opponents until the end.