# French Premier League Champions Nice Edge Out Lyon in Ligue 1 Round 33
## Introduction
The French Premier League season continues with another thrilling match between two powerhouse teams. Nice, the reigning champions, faced off against Lyon in the third round of Ligue 1 on Saturday night. Despite being trailing 1-0 at halftime, Nice managed to secure a 2-1 victory and advance to the Europa League qualifying zone.
## Match Highlights
### First Half: Uneasy Start
The first half was marked by tense moments as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Lyon dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances, while Nice's defense remained solid. The first goal came in the 45th minute when Nice forward Antoine Griezmann scored from a free-kick after a corner kick. This early lead gave Nice some confidence heading into the second half.
### Second Half: A Comeback
In the second half, Lyon made several changes to try and regain control of the game. They introduced new attacking players like Anthony Martial and Yannick Bolasie, aiming to break down Nice's defensive line. However, Nice's defense held firm, and they were able to maintain their lead.
### Late Goal: A Surprise Victory
Just before the final whistle, Lyon found themselves on the back foot again. Their midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to score an equalizer for Lyon, tying the game at 1-1. But it wasn't long before Nice's defense stood up once more, and substitute striker Romain Marlet converted a penalty to give Nice the lead.
## Result and Impact
With the crucial win, Nice moved up to fourth place in the table, one point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. This victory not only puts Nice in prime position for the Europa League but also gives them hope of securing a spot in the Champions League for next season. The result is a significant boost for Nice's morale and sets the stage for further success in the upcoming rounds of the league.
## Next Steps
For Lyon, the defeat leaves them with a difficult task ahead. They will need to bounce back quickly if they want to avoid relegation, which could happen if they lose another match. For now, Lyon can take comfort in knowing that they still have a strong squad and have the potential to challenge for promotion.
## Conclusion
The victory for Nice against Lyon in this crucial Ligue 1 round is a testament to the resilience and determination of the team. It shows that even under pressure, Nice remains a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, fans can expect more exciting matches and potentially more surprises from both sides of the league.