No winner in this highly anticipated duel between two contenders for places of honor. The Strasbourgeois had the monopoly of the ball, but they did not know the success against the Niçois, however reduced to ten for almost an entire period (0-0). In the standings, the Alsatians remain on the lookout for the Aiglons, which temporarily pass Marseille as dolphins of PSG, on goal difference. The Olympians will have the opportunity this Sunday (5:05 p.m.) to recover this 2nd place in Troyes.
What you must remember
Nice, credited with a three-point lead over their opponent before the start of the game, had every interest in not leaving Meinau feathers behind. The Alsatians put pressure on the players of Christophe Galtier. During the first quarter of an hour, the Niçois did not come out of their 30 meters. They still seem to have in mind the downfall (0-3) of the first leg at the start of December at the Allianz Riviera, even if Gouiri is narrowly caught by Djiku (15th). Strasbourg’s best chance of the first period came from Prcic, who saw his shot come out of the top corner through Benitez (30′).
The second period began with a twist of fate when Dante, overtaken by Gameiro, retained the Racing striker. Already warned, the Nice captain returns to the locker room prematurely (49th). The windfall is great for Julien Stéphan’s men as the game gets tougher. Strasbourg, holder, at kick-off, of the 3rd best attack in the championship (48 goals), does not manage to pierce the most hermetic defense. The return of Diallo, in place of Prcic, brings a little liveliness but nothing helps. The Strasbourg residents can already turn to the trip to Reims on Sunday. For the people of Nice, it is now time for the Coupe de France, with the reception of Versailles next Tuesday (9 p.m.).
Player: Walter Benitez
The OGC Nice goalkeeper simply disgusted the Strasbourg attackers. The latter created around fifteen chances, of which only a third were on target. Each time, the Riviera goalkeeper pulled out the right stop, especially against Prcic, Gameiro (73rd), and Diallo (78th, 86th). With 21 goals conceded after 26 games, Nice is still strong.
The number: 16
The previous goalless draw between the two clubs dates back to… November 19, 2005. Nice finished in 8th place while Strasbourg, despite having won the Coupe de la Ligue a few months earlier, fell back to the 2nd Division at the end of the season (19th).
