# Lyon Narrowly Beats Nice 1-0 as Lacazette Scores Penalty and Secures Clean Sheet
In a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals, **Lyon** edged past **Nice** with a narrow 1-0 victory in a Ligue 1 clash on Saturday. The match was a tale of missed opportunities and pivotal moments, but it ultimately belonged to **Lyon**, thanks to a well-timed penalty conversion by **Alexandre Lacazette** and a commanding performance from their defense.
The game started at a steady pace, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Nice, known for their attacking flair, struggled to break down a well-organized Lyon defense. The first half was dominated by chances created by the visitors, but their finishing lacked precision. One such opportunity came in the 35th minute when **Terem Moffi** fired a dangerous shot that forced Lyon’s goalkeeper **Léo Correia** into action. However, the young goalkeeper stood tall and kept Nice at bay.
The turning point came in the 55th minute when the referee pointed to a penalty for Nice after a handball in the box. **Lacazette**, who had been quiet in the first half, stepped up to take the spot-kick. His calm and composed finish saw the ball fly into the top corner, giving Lyon the crucial lead. Despite the penalty decision sparking controversy among Nice fans, Lacazette’s composure under pressure was a key moment in the match.
From that point onward, Lyon tightened their defense and looked to exploit Nice’s fatigue. Nice, despite their numerical advantage, struggled to create clear chances, with **Gaëtan Laborde** and **Adrien Trabelsi** unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Lyon’s backline, led by the experienced **Papiss Cissé** and **Sandro Tonali**, remained solid, repelling wave after wave of Nice attacks.
The second half was a contest of endurance, with both teams pushing for a goal. However, it was Lyon’s ability to convert their single chance that proved decisive. **Lacazette**’s penalty not only gave them the lead but also ensured they returned to Paris with a clean sheet, a rare feat in this high-stakes encounter.
As the final whistle blew, Lyon celebrated a hard-fought victory, while Nice pondered what could have been. For Lyon, the win extends their unbeaten run and keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. For Nice, the search for consistency continues, as they aim to break this recent slump.
In a match that was as much about character as it was about skill, Lyon’s resilience and Lacazette’s clinical penalty were the difference-makers. This victory will no doubt rank as one of the most important of the season for both clubs.