Belkhdim Strikes as Nice Spiral Deepens
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 29/100. At the Allianz Riviera, Angers delivered a knockout blow to Nice's fading season—a 1-0 victory that plunges the hosts deeper into relegation danger.
Nice's Crisis of Conviction
Nice arrived at the Allianz Riviera drowning. Five straight defeats. No wins in recent memory. The home side matched balance on paper—50% possession—but lacked the intensity to convert it into chances. Charles Vanhoutte worked tirelessly in midfield to plug gaps, yet against Angers' ruthless efficiency, his efforts proved insufficient. The defensive frailty that has haunted Nice's season resurfaced with cruel timing.
Belkhdim's Clinical Moment
On 33 minutes, Yassin Belkhdim showed the composure Nice lacked. C. Arcus picked out the midfielder in space, and Belkhdim finished with precision. In isolation, it was a routine goal. In context—Nice's fragility, their desperate need for a positive result—it became the dagger. The stakes shifted immediately.
The Red Card That Ended It
On 53 minutes, T. Louchet was shown red for a reckless trip. Down to ten men, Nice's offensive intensity evaporated. Angers seized control effortlessly. Hervé Koffi, Angers' goalkeeper, made three crucial saves to ensure the upset held firm. An underdog masterclass in damage control.
Nice's position is now perilous: 17 points from 15 matches, a goal difference of -8. Nice faces a relegation scrap. Angers, meanwhile, climbed to 11th with 19 points—a statement victory that proves even the wounded can bite back.
Key Questions
How did Louchet's red card change the match?
The 53rd-minute expulsion shattered Nice's balance. Reduced to ten, they surrendered all attacking threat and Angers controlled the finale with ease.
Why was this an upset?
Nice dominated possession (50%) and xG (1.28 vs 0.83). Angers, 11th, won through clinical finishing and defensive discipline—a 31% probability upset.
Why is this match rated 29/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 29/100 places this match in the "Skip It" category.
