Nice lead under threat after home draw against Metz

ByReuters

Updated 15/01/2017 at 16:28 GMT

Nice's Ligue 1 lead is under threat after they were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Metz on Sunday.

Nice's players and Metz's players argue during the French L1 football match between Nice (OGCN) and Metz (FCM) on January 15, 2017 at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southeastern France.

Image credit: AFP

A week after being knocked out of the French Cup, Nice were toothless in the absence of playmaker Younes Belhanda and striker Mario Balotelli, who missed the game through injury and suspension respectively.

The result left them with 45 points from 20 games, three ahead of second-placed Monaco, who will leapfrog them into top spot if they beat Olympique de Marseille away later on Sunday.

Nice's Brazilian defender Dante (R) vies with Metz's Senegalese forward Habib Diallo (C) and Metz' French midfielder Renaud Cohade during the French L1 football match Nice (OGCN) vs Metz (FCM) on January 15, 2017 at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, so

Image credit: AFP

Ligue 1

Why Kylian Mbappe or Neymar might leave PSG – reports

22/08/2018 at 22:22

Champions Paris St Germain are third on 42 points after Julian Draxler earned them a 1-0 win at Stade Rennais on Saturday.

Nice barely threatened in a dull encounter against Metz, who had won only one of their previous 11 league games.

Nice keeper Walter Benitez was forced to dive to his right to deny Opa Nguette in the 15th minute as Metz put on a solid display at the Allianz Riviera.

Metz's French midfielder Renaud Cohade (C) shoots the ball during the French L1 football match Nice (OGCN) vs Metz (FCM) on January 15, 2017 at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southeastern France.

Image credit: AFP

Nice showed their teeth four minutes before the break when Paul Baysse's clever back heel was saved on the goal line by a Metz defender.

Alassane Plea went close in the second half with a low shot that whizzed just wide while Metz had another opportunity but Chris Philipps's curled attempt flew just over the bar.

Ligue 1

VIDEO: Neymar vows to become 'new man' over diving

30/07/2018 at 08:42

Ligue 1

WATCH: Neymar barges kid off ball after getting tackled at his own tournament

25/07/2018 at 10:33

Ligue 1

Alves: I'd come back tomorrow if Barcelona were to call me

24/04/2018 at 09:38

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me