Ligue 1: OM-Nice, an endless story
We may be holding the poster for this 2021-2022 season in France. For better or for worse. This Sunday evening, the two formations, respectively second and third with the same number of points (50), will cross swords at the Stade Vélodrome (8:45 p.m.) in an oh so important meeting in the race for the Champions League. The 22 players will necessarily have in mind the adventures that have occurred during previous confrontations this season, whether in Ligue 1 or the Coupe de France.
August 22, 2021: football relegated to the background
It all started in the heart of summer during the 3rd day of Ligue 1 at the Allianz Riviera in Nice. A full stadium, ideal playing conditions and two great teams on the pitch. Everything seems to be in place for an enticing evening of football. But in the 74th minute, crash. While the Marseillais are trailing 1-0, Dimitri Payet is about to take a corner in front of the south stand of the Nice enclosure. Projectile jets in shambles irritate number 10 of OM who decides to send one back with force in the direction of the public.
It was enough to trigger the collective madness of the south bend. The field is invaded, OM players are slightly injured (Luan Peres, Guendouzi) and this Mediterranean shock turns to desolation. The referee finally decides to resume the meeting after an hour of interruption but the Marseillais refuse to enter the lawn. A mock kick-off is given and Mr. Bastien sends the players back to the locker room for good. Football and its supporters will not grow out of this affair. Implicated for not having ensured the security of the meeting, the OGCN receives two penalty points, one of which is suspended.
October 27, 2021: Troyes, land of asylum for a void without relief
It is, all the same, to update the calendar and to play this meeting of the 3rd day of Ligue 1. Appointment is made, therefore, on October 27 in Troyes in a stadium in Aube behind closed doors . The two teams split in a 1-1 draw, Dimitri Payet responding to Amine Gouiri’s opener for the Aiglons. A good operation for Jorge Sampaoli’s players since it allows them to keep the Gym behind them in the standings. But difficult not to regret this cathedral silence in the stadium for one of the most beautiful oppositions of the season on paper.
February 9, 2022: fantasia niçoise at the Allianz Riviera
The two clubs are definitely not leaving each other. The draw for the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France delivers its verdict on January 31. OGG Nice will host OM. The stadium is full but this time, no pranks in the stands, the meeting can go to an end. An obvious fact that has not always been one on the lawns of France this season.
But the supposed shock takes on the appearance of a demonstration. The locals explode Marseille overwhelmed and perhaps handicapped by a hazardous starting composition of Jorge Sampaoli. William Saliba, established in an unusual right-back position, is having a nightmarish evening, as is his counterpart on the left, Luan Peres, much more comfortable in the centre. Nice easily won 4 goals to 1 and trouble began for the Argentinian technician whose sometimes illegible tactical choices began to annoy the supporters.
