### Ligue Round: Nice Beats Brest; Nice Returns to European Qualification Zone

In a thrilling match that captured the hearts of football enthusiasts across France and beyond, Nice secured their place in Europe's qualification zone for the upcoming UEFA Europa League. The victory against Brest marked a significant milestone for both teams, highlighting the resilience and determination of Nice as they look forward to competing at the highest level.

#### Match Highlights

The game between Nice and Brest was played on Saturday, September 17th, at Stade Vélodrome in Nice. Despite facing a challenging opposition, Nice managed to come out on top with a convincing 2-0 win. The first half saw Nice dominate possession and create numerous opportunities, but it was in the second half where they truly shone.

Nicolas Pepe, one of the stars of the Nice team, delivered the opening goal in the 58th minute. His precise shot from distance found the back of the net, giving Nice the lead. The second goal came just two minutes later when Moussa Dembélé capitalized on a corner kick, converting it into a penalty shootout after a foul by Brest goalkeeper Guillaume Navarro.

#### Post-Match Analysis

Coach Didier Deschamps praised his players' performance, particularly Pepe and Dembélé. "We knew this would be a tough match, but we executed our plan well," he said. "Our defense held firm throughout, and our forwards were relentless in attack."

Brest, despite being led by former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, showed signs of improvement compared to previous seasons. However, the loss leaves them in need of a strong run in the French league to secure their position in Europe.

#### Implications for Nice

For Nice, this victory is a major boost to their hopes of securing a spot in the Europa League. They now face tougher competition in the domestic league, which will likely test their ability to maintain their form and consistency.

The return to the European qualification zone also gives Nice the confidence to challenge bigger clubs in Europe. This experience could be crucial in shaping their future strategy and potentially leading to more lucrative international competitions in the years to come.

#### Next Steps

As Nice prepares to continue their campaign in the French league, they will look to build upon their success against Brest. The team has shown glimpses of what they can achieve, and with a strong squad and experienced coach, there is no doubt they will continue to make waves in the upcoming season.

This victory not only brings joy to the supporters of Nice but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the league, inspiring other teams to strive for similar results. As we move towards the end of the season, Nice's journey through the French league and their potential entry into the European stage will undoubtedly be remembered as a momentous achievement.