Nice’s Champions League hopes in jeopardy
Nice started 2025 in exceptional form, winning seven of their first nine Ligue 1 matches (D1, L1) and firmly securing third place with a five-point cushion over Lille. However, their recent slump—three games without a win (D1, L2) and two red cards in the last two fixtures—has significantly dented their Champions League aspirations. Now in fourth place, just two points above seventh-placed Lyon, a failure to rediscover their form could see them miss out on European football entirely.
A troubling H2H record
History isn’t on Nice’s side either. They haven’t won any of their last six encounters against Nantes in all competitions (D3, L3), with their home record against them also unimpressive (D1, L2). This adds another layer of pressure as they look to break their poor run of form.
Nantes struggling to stay afloat
While Nantes have a strong H2H record against Nice, their current form is concerning. They’ve lost five of their last seven matches (W2) and have struggled on the road, securing just one away win in 2025 (D2, L4). Their recent away performances have been particularly poor, with three consecutive losses and 12 goals conceded.
Defensive struggles continue to haunt Nantes, as they haven’t kept a clean sheet in an away league match since the opening round of the season. With just a three-point cushion above the relegation playoff spot, they remain in serious danger of dropping into Ligue 2 for the first time since 2012/13.
Players to Watch
- Evann Guessand (Nice): The forward found the net in the reverse fixture and has contributed to six goals (G3, A3) in his last six home league matches.
- Matthis Abline (Nantes): A consistent performer against Nice, Abline has been involved in goals in all three previous H2Hs (G2, A2). Notably, nine of his 11 goal contributions this season have come in away matches.
Hot Stat: Nice have conceded a first-half goal in just one of their last eight home games across all competitions.
As both teams enter this crucial fixture, Nice will be desperate to turn things around and keep their Champions League dream alive, while Nantes fight to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
