Angers 0-2 Nice: Ligue 1 2025-26 match report

Tactical deadlock at Stade Raymond-Kopa

The Sunday afternoon fixture at the Stade Raymond-Kopa presented a tactical battle between Alexandre Dujeux’s Angers and Claude Puel’s Nice. Both sides deployed variations of a three-man defensive structure, signaling an emphasis on wing-back play and central congestion. For the opening hour, the match was defined by a cautious approach, with both teams struggling to find the final ball in the attacking third.

Angers, operating in a 3-5-2, were forced into an early tactical adjustment when E. Biumla was withdrawn in the 21st minute, with C. Arcus entering the fray. Despite the change, Angers struggled to establish consistent rhythm. Nice, setting up in a 3-5-1-1, looked to exploit the spaces between the lines, but the defensive discipline of the home side kept the scoreline level heading into the interval. The first half was characterized by physical midfield duels rather than fluid attacking sequences, as neither goalkeeper was seriously tested during the opening 45 minutes.

The decisive moment

The complexion of the game shifted significantly following a flurry of substitutions shortly after the hour mark. Claude Puel sought to inject fresh energy into his attack, introducing C. Vanhoutte, Kevin Carlos, and K. Boudache in a triple substitution in the 62nd minute. The impact was almost immediate.

Just three minutes later, in the 65th minute, the deadlock was broken. Nice’s persistence paid off when M. Bard found the back of the net, assisted by E. Wahi. The goal forced Angers to abandon their conservative structure and push higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer. Alexandre Dujeux responded with a series of changes, including the introduction of G. Koyalipou and P. Capelle, but the tactical shift left the hosts vulnerable to counter-attacks.

As the match entered the final ten minutes, the game became increasingly fragmented. Nice managed the clock effectively, utilizing their remaining substitutes to maintain defensive stability. Despite Angers’ efforts to force a late breakthrough, the Nice backline remained composed under pressure. The result was put beyond doubt in the 90th minute when E. Wahi, who had been instrumental in the opening goal, turned scorer himself. Assisted by J. Clauss, Wahi’s strike secured the three points for the visitors, capping a clinical second-half display.

Looking ahead

For Nice, this victory reinforces their standing in the league and highlights the effectiveness of Claude Puel’s mid-game tactical adjustments. Conversely, the defeat leaves Angers with significant work to do in the final stretch of the season as they look to address their struggles in the attacking third.