Nice and Monaco battled to a goalless draw in a fiercely contested Ligue 1 fixture.
Nice and Monaco shared the spoils in a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Allianz Riviera on Sunday. Resolute defending and crucial saves from both goalkeepers proved the defining factors.
Entering the Derby de la Côte d'Azur, Nice occupied 13th place in the Ligue 1 standings. Monaco sat three positions higher in 10th, with both sides eager to improve their inconsistent league form.
The match kicked off with immediate intensity. Monaco forward Folarin Balogun earned an early yellow card in the 13th minute for a physical challenge. Nice midfielder Sofiane Diop then received a caution five minutes later.
Early exchanges showed a midfield battle, with both teams eager to control possession. Monaco edged this aspect, holding 56% of the ball by halftime. Nice’s compact defense proved difficult to break down.
Goalmouth action remained scarce as both backlines held firm. Nice registered a few efforts, testing Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn. At the other end, Nice's keeper also made two saves.
Monaco crafted an expected goals (xG) figure of 0.61 by the interval. Nice's xG stood at 0.52, indicating the tight nature of scoring opportunities. The first half concluded goalless.
With no goals scored, both managers undoubtedly called for greater attacking impetus. The second half promised a more open affair, with fresh tactics expected.
The second period resumed with a similar pattern of defensive vigilance. Coaches soon turned to their benches to spark some life into the attack. Nice made a double substitution in the 64th minute.
Monaco responded a minute later, with Caio Henrique entering for Aleksandr Golovin. Despite the fresh legs, neither side could truly dominate. The game remained locked in a tactical stalemate.
Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche worked tirelessly, completing five tackles to break up play. As the clock ticked down, frustration mounted among the players.
Monaco defender Vanderson received a yellow card in the 88th minute for delaying the game. Nice striker Elye Wahi was also booked in the 90th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Monaco finished with a slight edge in expected goals at 0.61 compared to Nice's 0.52. Nice led in total shots with 13 to Monaco's 10, but both teams struggled for accuracy. Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn made three crucial saves.
This 0-0 draw means Nice and Monaco collect a single point from the Derby de la Côte d'Azur. Nice remains 13th with 23 points, while Monaco holds 10th place with 28 points. Both teams will aim for more clinical performances next time.
