Teji Savanier and the residents of Montpellier take a point against Nice. SYLVAIN THOMAS / AFP
The MHSC and the Gym separate this Friday, in La Mosson, without goal or winner, at the opening of the 12th day of L1.
No goal, no winner and even less spectacle. Montpellier and Nice separated on Friday with a goalless result (0-0) in La Mosson, at the opening of the 12th matchday of Ligue 1. A match that will not go down in the annals, in which the Aiglons were in control. However, it was the Montpellier side who had the best chance as Akor Adams hit the woodwork in the first period. The Gym retains the lead in the rankings. However, with only a two-point lead over number two in Paris, it might not last long. PSG travels to Reims on Saturday (5 p.m.). The Azuréens are also within shooting range of neighboring country Monaco (26 points against 23), which meets the newly promoted Le Havre in Normandy on Saturday (9 p.m.).
In line with his last performances, the leader from Nice mainly shone with his solidity, but this time he had to be satisfied with one point. Facing cautious Montpellier players at the start of the match, the Aiglons took control of the match without unbalancing the opponent’s defense. The Boga-Bard duo on the left tried some things, with help from Sanson, but the MHSC responded tactically. The locals relied on their Al-Tamari and Adams arrows and used centers that Bulka could easily negotiate. La Mosson, with sparse stands, had to wait until half an hour into the match before he could stand up for the first time. In his powerful style, Adams challenged Todibo before finding the post (32nd). A simple warning for the best defense of the five major European championships, very high up the pitch. Le Gym responded with a counterattack, Bouanani missed the final move in ideal position (35th). Moffi then met Sacko, alert to his line (41st) from a corner, before the main warning on the MHSC cage. Like Marseille, Clermont and Rennes, Nice seemed to take its time to weave its web around its opponent, who respected his plan to the letter.
And that’s it
Even in the second half, Montpellier had Nice hinge Dante-Todibo exchange passes to remain compact in midfield. Despite some breakthroughs from Thuram, Farioli’s players could not find the solutions or opportunities. The entry of Laborde, on the hour, brought dynamism and some danger (71st, 90th), but more was needed to worry Lecomte. Problem for the show, the Héraultais also had all the trouble in the world to get the match going. Apart from a second post through the head of Adams, who was offside (58th), Téji Savanier’s troops lacked inspiration or ambition. Or both. In the last fifteen minutes, the Aiglons tried to take the win by multiplying set pieces, without success. Nice was unable to drop the medal on its side, but maintained its invincibility, extended to twelve games, the best run in the club’s history after the 1958–59 season (19 games). Still as solid as ever, the Azuréens leave La Mosson with an 8th meeting without conceding a goal. A satisfaction for goalkeeper Bulka, a disappointment for Montpellier threat Adams, who did his best with very little ammunition.
Well organised, but not exciting, MHSC picked up a precious point against the surprise leader, allowing them to climb to 12th in the table as they waited for the rest of the weekend in Ligue 1.