Nice FC secured their place in the UEFA Europa League group stage after defeating Brest 2-1 on Wednesday night. The result was a significant one for the Algerian side as it ensured that they will be playing in Europe's premier club competition next season.
The match at the Stade de l'Arena in Algeria saw Nice dominate the first half and create several chances to score. However, Brest held them at bay and managed to keep the game level until halftime.
In the second half, Nice upped their intensity and started pressing Brest more aggressively. This paid off when Adama Traoré scored the equalizer just before the hour mark. Then, with only minutes left on the clock, Nice doubled their lead through a goal from Yannick Carrasco.
Brest put up a strong fight but couldn't find a way back into the game. With the win, Nice has qualified for the Europa League group stage for the first time since 2014. It is also the first time that the team has won three consecutive games in the league this season.
"This is a big achievement for our fans and players," said Nice coach Christophe Galtier. "We have worked hard all season to achieve this result and we are delighted to be in the Europa League group stage."
For Brest, the defeat is a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League. They currently sit two points behind Nice in the French Ligue 1 table and will need to win their final two matches to have any chance of making it to Europe.
Overall, the victory is a huge boost for Nice's confidence ahead of the final part of the season. The team now looks set to compete against some of the best clubs in Europe, and they will be hoping to continue their good form in the coming weeks.