Nice missed the chance to catch up with second-placed Marseille after a 1-1 home draw against Auxerre. Evann Guessand put Nice ahead in the first half, but despite controlling the game, they failed to extend their lead.
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Nice missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on second-placed Marseille after being held to a 1-1 draw at home against Auxerre on Friday night.
Despite controlling much of the game and taking the lead before halftime, Franck Haise’s side failed to secure the three points, conceding a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer that could have serious consequences for their ambitions in the Ligue 1 standings.
With this result, Nice remains in third place with 47 points, still trailing Marseille, who have 49, and unable to capitalize on the chance to draw level ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures. The draw also means that Monaco and Lille, both sitting at 44 points, now have the opportunity to catch up if they win their respective matches. Lyon, currently on 42 points, is also gaining momentum in the race for a top-three finish that guarantees Champions League qualification. On the other hand, Auxerre will be thrilled with the point, as they climb to 11th place with 32 points, solidifying their position in the mid-table battle.
Heading into the match, Nice had been showing strong form, having put together a run of four wins and two draws in their last six outings. Their confidence was evident early on, as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo against an Auxerre side that struggled to create clear chances. That dominance was rewarded in the 38th minute when Evann Guessand found the back of the net. The 22-year-old striker, who has been steadily growing into a key figure for Haise’s team, finished off a well-worked attacking move, putting the hosts ahead. His goal reflected Nice’s superiority in the first half, where they largely kept Auxerre at bay while creating several promising opportunities of their own.
After the break, Nice remained the more composed side and continued to press forward, looking for a second goal to seal the match. However, despite their dominance, they failed to capitalize on several clear chances, lacking the clinical edge needed to put the game beyond reach. Their inability to score a second goal would ultimately prove costly, as it kept Auxerre in the game and allowed the visitors to remain hopeful of stealing a point.
As the clock ticked down, Auxerre began to grow in confidence, sensing that a late equalizer was possible. With Nice failing to extend their lead, the visitors pushed forward in the final minutes, showing far more attacking intent than they had for most of the match. Their persistence was finally rewarded deep into stoppage time when Florian Ayé struck in the 94th minute, stunning the Allianz Riviera crowd. His well-placed shot past the Nice goalkeeper completed a perfectly executed counterattack, taking full advantage of Nice’s inability to close out the game. The dramatic late goal was a huge moment for Auxerre, who had spent most of the match on the defensive but never gave up.
This result could have major consequences for Nice’s ambitions of securing a top-three finish and qualifying for the Champions League. A victory would have put them level on points with Marseille, but instead, they remain stuck on 47 points and now face the real possibility of being caught by their closest challengers. Monaco and Lille, both three points behind, now have the chance to draw level if they win their respective fixtures this weekend. Meanwhile, Lyon, sitting on 42 points, remains firmly in the race and could also put themselves within striking distance of the Champions League places.
For Nice, this draw will feel like a missed opportunity. After controlling the game for long stretches, failing to finish off their chances ultimately cost them. The late equalizer will be particularly frustrating for Haise and his players, as they now head into the final stretch of the season knowing that every dropped point could make a difference in the battle for European qualification. On the other hand, Auxerre will take great satisfaction from the result. Despite being second-best for most of the game, they showed resilience and took advantage of Nice’s inability to close the match, earning a valuable point that strengthens their mid-table position.
With the Ligue 1 season entering its decisive phase, every point matters. Nice will now have to recover quickly and ensure they do not let this setback derail their campaign. The battle for Champions League spots remains wide open, and with Monaco, Lille, and Lyon breathing down their neck, Haise’s side cannot afford many more slip-ups. Meanwhile, Auxerre’s fighting spirit in this match will give them confidence as they look to climb even further up the table in the coming weeks.
