VIDEO | Ligue 1 Highlights: Nice vs Metz
Nice defeated Metz in a match corresponding to Matchday 19 of Ligue 1. In a closely contested encounter that ended 1-0, the home team mathematically closed the first half of the season as the winter runner-up, trailing behind Paris Saint-Germain.
After suffering a 0-2 defeat against Stade Rennes in the previous matchday, Nice was obliged to secure a victory, as not only did they need to distance themselves further from PSG, but they also risked being overtaken by Brest, who were just one point behind OGC Nice.
The solitary goal of the match was scored by Evan Guessand in the 77th minute from the penalty spot, thus overcoming goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja. With this goal, Nice confirmed their superiority in all aspects over the opponents, holding 66% of possession and nine shots on target compared to just one from the visitors.