Lens vs Nice — Ligue 1

**Lens 2-0 Nice**

**Playing Style:** Lens focused on creating clear scoring opportunities, evidenced by their higher number of shots on target (5 vs 4) and a higher box entry to shot rate (75 vs 47). They were more effective in converting their presence inside the opponent’s box into shots. Nice, on the other hand, dominated possession (54% vs 46%) and had a higher number of passes (493 vs 418), indicating a more possession-based approach. They also had more successful crosses (6 vs 3) and were stronger in aerial and ground duels, showing a more structured and disciplined style of play.

**Strengths and Weaknesses:** Lens had the edge in shot conversion, with a 50% conversion rate on big chances compared to Nice’s 0%. They also had more shots inside the box (8 vs 4) and were more efficient in progressing from the opponent’s half into the box (16% vs 12%). However, they struggled with shots blocked by the opponent (5 vs 2), suggesting some of their attempts were easily intercepted.

Nice had a strong presence in the opponent’s half (39% vs 31%) and were more effective in passing (85% accuracy vs 82%) and in winning duels (60 vs 44). They also had more successful dribbles (14 vs 8) and were stronger in aerial duels (12 vs 10). However, they failed to convert any of their big chances, which highlights a lack of clinical finishing despite creating more opportunities.

**Conclusion:** Lens’ victory can be attributed to their efficiency in front of goal, particularly their ability to convert big chances (1/2 converted) compared to Nice’s failure to score from their only big chance. Lens also had more shots on target and a higher box entry to shot rate, indicating they were more clinical in dangerous areas. Despite Nice’s dominance in possession and passing, their inability to convert chances and their lower shot accuracy (50% vs 33%) ultimately cost them the match. Lens’ defensive actions per shot faced (7 vs 3) also suggest they were more organized in dealing with Nice’s pressure.