# Nice Edge Nantes in Thrilling Finale
In a rollercoaster encounter, Nice secured a 2-1 victory over Nantes in a Ligue 1 clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The match, played at Stade de France, saw both sides create chances but ultimately, it was Nice who emerged victorious thanks to a late winner.
The first half was a cagey affair, with neither team able to break the deadlock. Nice dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances, while Nantes looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The second half, however, was a different story.
The turning point came in the 78th minute when Nice's young star, Gaëtan Laborde, broke the deadlock with a clinical finish. The goal sent the away supporters into raptures, but Nantes weren't done yet. They responded quickly, drawing level through a well-taken goal by Khéphren Thuram.
Just when it seemed like the points were heading back to Nantes, Boudaoui struck again. In the 88th minute, the Algerian midfielder capped off a spirited performance with a stunning strike from outside the box. His goal ensured Nice's victory, much to the delight of their fans.
### Key Moments to Remember
- **Gaëtan Laborde's Goal (78')**: A moment of brilliance that sent Nice into a commanding lead.
- **Khéphren Thuram's Equalizer (81')**: A reminder of Nantes' attacking prowess, despite being a man down after a late red card for Gaëtan Laborde.
- **Boudaoui's Winning Strike (88')**: A late hero moment that sealed the deal for Nice.
### Player Performances
- **Nice**: Gaëtan Laborde was the star of the match, creating and scoring the opener. Boudaoui also played a pivotal role, contributing an assist and the decisive goal.
- **Nantes**: Khéphren Thuram was lively throughout, and while they fought back well, their defensive lapses cost them in the latter stages.
### Closing Thoughts
This victory extends Nice's unbeaten run and keeps them in the hunt at the top of the table. For Nantes, it's a missed opportunity to build on their recent form. Both teams will take confidence from this match heading into their next fixtures.
In the end, it was a game of fine margins, and Nice just about did enough to edge Nantes. Football can be a funny game, and this result will linger in the memory for a while yet.