PARIS (AP) – the bottom line Metz defeated the second-placed Nice 1-0 in the French league on Saturday.
Nice’s second consecutive defeat at Allianz Riviera Stadium could lose second place to Rennes, who play on Sunday.
The hosts showed a listless performance in the first half and Metz took advantage of Nice’s lack of urgency to take the lead in the 31st minute when Fabien Centonze converted a low cross from Nicolas de Preville.
Goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja secured Metz’s lead by parrying Andy Delort’s header from close range with his legs and 63.
Elsewhere, Lille striker Jonathan David missed a penalty when the defending champions’ hopes of coming back in the race for European places suffered a blow after a 1-1 draw in Nantes midfield.
Lille extended their league winning streak to six games, staying in the bottom half of the table, one point behind Nantes. Lille dropped out of the title race due to inconsistent performances and could not repeat their Champions League form. Lille beat Salzburg 1-0 on Tuesday and took the lead in their group.
“We had to do more, we had to get better,” said Lille midfielder Benjamin Andre. “We said we had to rediscover our capabilities, and once again we didn’t have it.”
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