Allianz Riviera, May 17, 2025 In a devastating display, Nice crushed Stade Brestois 6-0 on Matchday 34 of Ligue 1, securing 4th place and a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds. With goals from Evann Guessand, Gaëtan Laborde (2), Badredine Bouanani, Terem Moffi, and Ali Abdi, Les Aiglons ended their season in grand style, while Brest saw their European dreams crumble in a night to forget.
The match was a true attacking spectacle, with Nice dominating from the first minute, capitalizing on Brest’s defensive mistakes and showcasing lethal efficiency. For the Breton side, the defeat meant the end of their hopes for a historic continental qualification, while Nice celebrated their return to Europe’s elite after years of waiting.
First Half: Nice Establishes Dominance with Three Goals in 30 Minutes
From the opening whistle, Nice showed clear attacking intent, pressing high and exploiting Brest’s defensive weaknesses. The home side wasted no time opening the scoring and effectively sealed the game before halftime.
⚽ 16’ – Evann Guessand (1-0) – Nice Break the Deadlock
- Build-up: Midfield recovery after Bouanani’s high press.
- Action: Guessand steals the ball from Bradley Locko, cuts inside from the left, and finishes precisely into the bottom corner, leaving Bizot no chance.
- Impact: First goal of the night and a return to form for Guessand after weeks of struggles.
⚽ 19’ – Gaëtan Laborde (2-0) – Nice Double the Lead in Two Minutes
- Build-up: Melvin Bard surges down the left and delivers a low cross.
- Action: Guessand lays it off for Laborde, who taps into an empty net.
- Analysis: Brest’s defensive disorganization was glaring; no marking at all.
⚽ 28’ – Badredine Bouanani (3-0) – Unforgettable Penalty
- Build-up: Jonathan Clauss bursts into the box and is fouled by Locko.
- VAR: Quick penalty confirmation.
- Execution: Bouanani sends Bizot the wrong way with a cool finish.
- Context: Third goal in 12 minutes game effectively over.
Key Moments in the First Half
- 11’ – Laborde Hits the Post: First-time strike from outside the box, Bizot’s deflection onto the woodwork.
- 26’ – Penalty Appeal?: Guessand goes down in the box, but no call.
- 35’ – Brest’s Best Chance: Le Douaron through on goal, but Bulka’s heroic save denies him.
HT: Nice 3-0 Brest – Total dominance by the hosts; Brest utterly outclassed.
Second Half: Nice Extend the Rout and Secure Champions League Football
Nice didn’t let up and continued tormenting Brest, who failed to reorganize defensively. Laborde’s second, followed by late strikes from Moffi and Abdi, completed the humiliation.
⚽ 75’ – Gaëtan Laborde (4-0) – Spectacular Bicycle Kick
- Build-up: Bard advances and whips in a perfect cross.
- Action: Laborde arrives at the back post and hits an acrobatic volley into the net.
- Impact: A goal worthy of sealing European qualification.
⚽ 82’ – Terem Moffi (5-0) – Nigerian’s Triumphant Return
- Build-up: Sofiane Diop plays Moffi in behind.
- Action: The striker rounds Bizot and slots home.
- Context: Moffi’s first goal since returning from an ACL injury.
⚽ 90+4’ – Ali Abdi (6-0) – The Final Blow
- Build-up: Moffi’s shot saved, but Abdi pounces on the rebound.
- Analysis: The sixth goal crowned a perfect night for Nice.
Key Moments in the Second Half
- 56’ – Bouanani Misses Two Chances: Bizot’s save and a wayward shot.
- 64’ – Brest Almost Pull One Back: Le Douaron’s header, but Bulka’s miracle stop.
- 87’ – Yellow Card for Locko: Late tackle on Diop, could’ve been red.
FT: Nice 6-0 Brest – A historic thrashing and Champions League football secured.
League Impact: Nice in the Champions League, Brest Miss Out on Europe
- Nice (4th, 65 pts):
- Qualified for the Champions League 3rd qualifying round.
- Best season since 2016/17.
- Brest (8th, 54 pts):
- European dream shattered.
- Positive season overall, but bitter ending.
Tactical Analysis: Why Nice Destroyed Brest
Nice (3-4-3): High Press and Rapid Transitions
- Strengths:
- Guessand & Laborde’s movement disrupted Brest’s backline.
- Bard & Clauss pivotal in wide areas.
- Midfield control with Boudaoui & Santamaria.
- Weaknesses:
- Space behind defense (Brest failed to exploit).
Brest (4-4-2): Defensive Fragility and Lack of Creativity
- Strengths:
- Le Douaron isolated, but no support.
- Weaknesses:
- Locko & Ndiaye’s costly errors.
- Midfield nonexistent.
Man of the Match: Evann Guessand (Nice)
- 1 goal, 1 assist.
- Crucial ball recovery for the opener.
- Constant movement, unsettling Brest’s defense.
Key Match Facts
- Nice’s biggest Ligue 1 win since 2020.
- Brest’s last win at Allianz Riviera was 12 years ago.
- Laborde reaches 15 goals this season.
What’s Next?
- Nice:
- Preparing for Champions League qualifiers in August.
- Potential reinforcements for European competition.
- Brest:
- Squad retention to push for Europe next season.
A Night to Remember
Nice ended their season in style, while Brest rued a missed opportunity. With Champions League football secured, Les Aiglons now aim higher, while the Breton side must regroup.
News cover image by: ogcnice.com
