Nice Edges Reims 1-0 to Rise to Third in Ligue 1

Nice secures a 1-0 win over Reims, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record and moving up to third in Ligue 1.

Nice secured a narrow 1-0 win over Reims at Allianz Riviera, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record to 13 matches. The victory keeps Les Aiglons in contention for an automatic spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Nice entered the match on a high note, having become the first French team to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the league this season with a 3-1 win at Parc des Princes last Friday. Recognizing the opportunity to gain an advantage before their rivals played, Nice put pressure on their competitors by taking the field early in the weekend.

Before the match, Nice manager Franck Haise expressed confidence in his team's abilities, stating they are “capable of great things.” Although Nice didn't showcase their best free-flowing football in the first half, they managed to take the lead after 15 minutes. A chipped ball into the area wasn't cleared by the Reims defense, and Morgan Sanson capitalized on the opportunity, sweeping the ball into an empty net for his third goal in just his second start.

Aside from the goal, the first half was underwhelming, with both teams managing only one shot on target each. Reims struggled to make an impact, likely weighed down by their poor record in this fixture, which was clearly on their minds.

After taking a one-goal lead into halftime, Nice aimed to extend their advantage after the restart. Despite having only lost twice at home in Ligue 1 this season, the hosts hadn't been convincing against weaker opponents, and their last two defeats had come in their previous four matches. The home fans might have been anxious, given that both teams had scored in Nice's last six games. Les Aiglons failed to threaten a second goal, and Reims nearly capitalized on this with about 20 minutes left, when Valentin Atangana found himself unmarked in the box but lost his footing, causing his close-range shot to sail over the crossbar.

Une de gagnée, il en restera deux. 𝑬𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆. ❤#ogcnsdr pic.twitter.com/zkpoavj59L

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) May 2, 2025

In the final stretch, Reims appeared more likely to score, but Nice managed to hold firm and secure the win. This victory propels Nice up to third place, while Reims remains 13th and will have to wait until next week to mathematically confirm their Ligue 1 safety, sitting five points above the relegation zone with two games left to play.