Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 5, 20/09/24
Luke Entwistle reporting from Nice
OGC Nice recorded an emphatic 8-0 victory against AS Saint-Étienne, making history by becoming the first team to net six goals in the first half of a Ligue 1 match in the 21st century as they celebrated their 120th anniversary in style.
The Match
Nice wasted no time. It took them just four minutes to open the scoring with Buduka Batubinsika turning Jonathan Clauss’ dangerous cross into his own net. Tanguy Ndombélé quickly doubled their advantage as Nice raced into a two-goal lead within the space of seven minutes.
The barrage was relentless but Les Aiglons had to wait a further 17 minutes before their third, which came courtesy of Mohamed-Ali Cho. A sumputous curled effort, his was the pick of the lot. Two minutes later, Youssoufa Moukoko got Nice’s fourth and his first for his new club.
Evann Guessand then got in on the act before Moukoko doubled his tally on the night. By half-time, Olivier Dall’Oglio, in desperation, had already made three changes, their fans, vocal even at 4-0, had deserted the stands. They did not re-emerge for the second half.
The second half was played at a leisurely pace with Le Gym happy to keep the ball and let the time tick away. However, they still managed to add to their lead with Sofiane Diop, still re-building his fitness after a lengthy absence, tapping in at the back-post before Pablo Rosario netted his first for the club from the spot following a handball inside the box.
For the first time since 1957, Nice net eight in a top-flight match and ensure that their 120-year anniversary was celebrated in style at the Allianz Riviera.
Nice player ratings
Marcin Bulka – 6
Dante – 7
Moïse Bombito – 7
Youssouf Ndayishimiye – 6
Melvin Bard – 6
Tanguy Ndombélé – 9
Ndombélé has shown glimpses of his best this season without putting together a full 90-minute performance. He had no issue doing so here, running the show from the first minute until the last. It was an eye-catching display, one reminiscent of his days at Lyon, and it was rewarded with a goal.
Pablo Rosario – 7
Jonathan Clauss – 8
Throughout the first-half, all of the danger came down Nice’s right, through the smart interchanges between Cho and Clauss. The conditions were ideal for Clauss to thrive, and without being preoccupied by carrying out defensive duties, thrive he did. He earned himself two assists on the night and proved a serial chance creator.
Mohamed-Ali Cho – 8
Evann Guessand – 8
After his goal and assist in the first half and with the result already secured, Guessand was subbed off for Badredine Bouanani (6) at the break.
Youssoufa Moukoko – 8
After that miss against Marseille, the German international, was in need of confidence, and he will take plenty from this game. He was in the right place at the right time to get the first and stayed composed to net the second. Granted, it is easy to do so when your team is already five goals in front. With an assist to his name too, it was a statistically fruitful night for Moukoko.
