# Nice Triumphs Over Lyon in Ligue 1, Setting Up Europa League Qualifying Zone

## Introduction

In a thrilling encounter at Allianz Riviera, Nice secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lyon in Ligue 1, marking a significant milestone in their European campaign. The win not only solidified their position in the top half of the table but also positioned them well for a potential Europa League qualifying spot.

## The Match

The match was a rollercoaster affair, with both teams creating chances. Nice took an early lead through Gaëtan Laborde’s well-taken goal in the 18th minute, but Lyon responded quickly. Maxime Tousso’s equalizer in the 35th minute brought the game level.

However, Nice showed their mettle in the second half. Terem Moffi, on loan from Everton, scored the winner in the 84th minute, slotting home from close range after a clinical counter-attack. The goal was met with wild celebrations among the Nice fans, who had been waiting for a breakthrough.

## The Impact on Europa League Qualifying Zone

With the victory, Nice has climbed to fourth place in Ligue 1, just one spot behind Paris Saint-Germain. This positions them in the qualifying zone for the Europa League, meaning they will host a playoff round if they finish in the top four.

The Europa League represents a golden opportunity for Nice to compete at the highest level of European football. A strong performance in the qualifiers could see them reach the knockout stages, where they might face the likes of Manchester United or Bayern Munich.

## Conclusion

Nice’s win over Lyon is a testament to their resilience and growing confidence under manager Alexander Djiku. With the Europa League qualification on the horizon, the club is poised to make a significant impact on the European stage. For now, fans can look forward to a thrilling clash against either Marseille or Rennes in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de la Ligue, before focusing on their Europa League campaign.

As Djiku mentioned post-match, “This win is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.” With the season reaching its peak, Nice is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and make their mark in Europe.