Soumarié orchestrates Le Havre's masterclass: Nice dismantled 3-1 at Stade Océane

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 54/100. In a match of relentless intensity, Le Havre transformed the Stade Océane into an impenetrable fortress, utterly dominating Nice 3-1 in a contest where clinical efficiency trumped statistical dominance.

The early hammer blow that shifted the balance

From the 13th minute, the script was written. Doucoure broke the deadlock courtesy of a surgical pass from Issa Soumarié, who would emerge as the architect of this demolition. Le Havre showed no nerves against a Nice side that controlled 59% possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third. The stakes shifted instantly: the hosts operated with tactical clarity whilst Nice's ball retention became a liability. With only 0.63 xG generated, the visitors were playing in slow motion.

Nice's resistance crumbles after the break

Hicham Boudaoui provided a glimmer of hope with an assist for Peprah's 52nd-minute goal, drawing Nice level. But the reprieve lasted nine minutes. Rassoul Ndiaye restored Le Havre's lead, and Soumarié sealed the rout deep into stoppage time (90e), delivering a masterclass in ruthlessness. Nice's 475 passes (85% accuracy) counted for nothing against Le Havre's 12 shots—eight on target—and a commanding 2.56 xG that translated into three clinical finishes.

Survival points in a relegation scrap

Both sides entered level on three points from three matches. This victory proves vital for Le Havre's escape bid, whilst Nice's possession-heavy approach has yielded nothing. Soumarié's dominance—a goal, an assist, three key passes—epitomizes the Normans' ruthless efficiency that ultimately decided this stakes-laden encounter at Stade Océane.