Le Havre showcased their strength and determination as they secured a convincing 3-1 victory over high-flying OGC Nice at the Stade Océane. This win not only helped them climb into the top half of Ligue 1 but also extended their unbeaten head-to-head streak against Nice to an impressive 13 matches in the top-flight dating back to 1987 (with 10 wins and 3 draws).
Heading into the match, Le Havre faced a tough challenge against a side that had conceded the fewest goals (six) among Europe’s traditional top-five leagues. Additionally, the hosts had not scored a home goal since September. However, Le Havre wasted no time in defying expectations as they took the lead within the opening five minutes. Mohamed Bayo’s shot was parried by Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bułka, but Emmanuel Sabbi was quick to react, firing home his first goal of the season.
Despite the early setback, Nice tried to mount a comeback and applied pressure on Le Havre. However, Le Havre’s solid defense stood firm, shutting out the visitors who had only managed to score 16 goals in their previous 15 league games. The hosts’ resilience paid off just before halftime when Sabbi cut in from the left and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner, giving Le Havre a comfortable two-goal advantage going into the break.
During the interval, Francesco Farioli, the coach of Nice, likely urged his team to turn their fortunes around. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed soon after the restart. A clumsy challenge by Melvin Bard on Loïc Négo resulted in a penalty for Le Havre, which Bayo confidently converted to extend the lead. The home fans were elated, and it seemed like a dream come true for Le Havre.
Rather than sitting back and defending their lead, Le Havre continued to press forward, posing a constant threat to Nice. Only a brilliant save from Bułka prevented Josué Casimir from adding a fourth goal for Le Havre. As the game entered the final 10 minutes, frustrations boiled over, resulting in an ill-tempered brawl between Jean-Clair Todibo and Samuel Grandsir, which led to both players being sent off.
The loss of Todibo, one of Nice’s key defenders, summed up a catastrophic afternoon for the Eaglets. Despite a late consolation goal from Tom Louchet, Nice missed out on the opportunity to close the gap to leaders and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. This defeat marked their 12th loss in 16 top-flight visits to Le Havre.
Le Havre’s impressive performance not only ended their winless run but also showcased their ability to compete against strong opponents. They proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1. As they continue to build on this victory, Le Havre will aim to maintain their momentum and climb further up the table.
In conclusion, Le Havre’s 3-1 victory over OGC Nice was a testament to their resilience and determination. They defied expectations and secured a well-deserved win, climbing into the top half of Ligue 1. With their unbeaten head-to-head streak against Nice extended to 13 matches, Le Havre has firmly established themselves as a formidable team in the league.