OGC Nice unleashed a furious offensive storm on Friday, crushing AS Saint-Etienne 8-0 in a match that will be remembered for years to come. The result marked the newly promoted side’s heaviest defeat in the French top flight in a staggering 73 years. The sheer dominance of Nice’s performance was evident from the outset, with the team scoring six goals in the first half alone, equaling their record for goals scored in a single Ligue 1 game.
The writing was on the wall for Saint-Etienne as early as the fourth minute when Dylan Batubinsika inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Three minutes later, Tanguy Ndombele doubled the lead with a powerful shot after a poor clearance by the visitors. The right flank proved to be a constant source of danger for Saint-Etienne, as Nice’s surging runs and accurate crosses overwhelmed the defense. Mohamed-Ali Cho, in particular, was a menace, scoring the third goal in the 24th minute. Just two minutes later, Youssoufa Moukoko added his name to the scoresheet, extending the lead to 4-0.
The relentless assault continued as Evan Guessand scored a stunning individual goal in the 36th minute, followed by Moukoko’s second goal and Nice’s sixth just three minutes later. Saint-Etienne was left reeling, unable to cope with the sheer force of Nice’s attack. Franck Haise’s team took their foot off the gas in the second half, but the damage was already done. Substitute Sofiane Diop added a seventh goal with 15 minutes remaining, before Pablo Rosario completed the rout with a penalty in the 85th minute. The decisive victory propelled Nice into fifth place in the Ligue 1 standings, while Saint-Etienne found themselves in 16th position.
