Nice 3-1 Sheriff Tiraspol 
Goals: Laborde (30e), Moffi (53e) and Brahimi (79e) for the Eaglets // Tapsoba (54e) for the Sheriff
The whole of France now has its eyes fixed on them. The last representatives of French football on the European scene, the Niçois were to complete a job well started in Moldova last week. While offering, why not, more spectacle after a very unexciting round. Mission perfectly accomplished for the Aiglons thanks to their attacking trio, each member of which shook the nets, not to mention a very good Khéphren Thuram, a few hours after being called up for the Blues for the first time. The goal of Tapsoba’s hope was in vain (3-1).
At Labord-age
Apart from the absence of Dante, the Azureans present themselves in full force to welcome the Moldovan club, which had managed to overthrow Partizan Belgrade in the previous round. And take advantage of the good quality of the lawn this time to impose their technical superiority. From a distance, Ramsey hits just above (25e), before Laborde warmed up by finding Koval’s gloves (26e). Magnificently served on the left of the area by Thuram, the striker finds the fault a few moments later, with a very nice dive (1-0, 30e). Masters of events, the people of Nice immediately set out in search of a break. Laborde, once again, cannot find the frame (40e), before Moffi finally comes to light with a small inhale from the entrance to the surface above (45e+1). The former Lorient player then imagines offering the second goal by crossing back for Rosario, who sends his shot by tackling above (45e+2).
Work completed
We must therefore wait until after the break to see Nice shake the nets again. Brahimi lights a first wick (49e), but it’s Moffi who fires after playing the defense to finish with precision (2-0, 53e). No time to refocus for the red and black rearguard, which leaves Tapsoba alone to beat Schmeichel and revive the suspense in the second, or almost (2-1, 54e). Not enough to reassure the OGCN, which as in Chisinau, gradually leaves the initiative to its opponent. But as on the first leg, the Sheriff lacks offensive arguments, like Talal, who hits Schmeichel directly (63e). And then on a lightning counter-attack, Brahimi manages to find Moffi who smashes the post, but the ball goes back to the Algerian international, who closes the proceedings at close range (3-1, 79e). Although embarrassed by Zohouri, Thuram misses the opportunity to punctuate his performance with a goal (84e), but who cares: for the first time since 1960, OGC Nice will play in a quarter-final of the European Cup.
Nice (4-3-3): Schmeichel – Lotomba (Beka Beka, 67e), Todibo, Ndayishimiye (Belahyane, 75e), Bard (Amraoui, 67e) – Rosario, Ramsey (Viti, 67e), Thuram – Brahimi, Moffi, Laborde (Pépé, 67e). Coach : Didier Digard.
Sheriff Tiraspol (5-3-2): Koval – Zohouri, Garananga, Kiki, Radeljić (Covali, 87e), Guedes (Badolo, 70e) – Diop (Moumouni, 87e), Kyabou, Talal – Tapsoba (Gliga, 87e), Rasheed. Coach : Roberto Bordin.
Nice plays the Sheriff
