A Tale of Two Halves: Nice 2-2 Twente, Hilgers Absence Felt
The first game of the season for FC Twente saw them travel to the south of France to face OGC Nice, with a disappointing 2-2 draw in the end. The match was a tale of two halves, with Twente dominating the first half and looking like the more likely winners before a capitulation in the second. This is what went down at the Allianz Riviera.
Twente's Bright Start
Twente came out of the gates flying, showcasing their attacking intent with a quick goal from Michel Vlap after just 12 minutes. This early lead gave Twente confidence and they continued to press, controlling the tempo of the match. **The absence of the injured ** Lucáš Hilgers in defense was less noticeable in the first half as the Dutch side maintained a solid structure.
The team's positive start continued with a well-deserved second goal, this time from Daan Rots. This goal gave Twente a comfortable two-goal lead, and it looked like the team was on their way to a positive start to their season.
Second Half Collapse
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Nice emerged from the break revitalized. The home side started pressing high and forcing errors from Twente. They were rewarded with a goal from Gaëtan Laborde in the 58th minute, which re-energized the French side.
Twente, who looked so confident in the first half, started to lose their composure. The second half was a difficult period for Twente and their defensive structure was exposed. This allowed Nice to equalize in the 80th minute through a strike from Nicolas Pépé, sending the home fans into raptures.
Hilgers' Absence Weighs Heavy
With Hilgers sidelined due to injury, Twente's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. His absence was especially noticeable in the second half as the Dutch team struggled to cope with Nice's attacking threat. The midfield also lacked his usual control and bite in the second half.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointing result, Twente can take some positives from their performance. The first half was a testament to their quality and attacking potential. However, the team needs to work on their consistency and learn to manage the game better after taking a lead. The absence of Hilgers is a significant factor, and his return will be crucial for Twente's defensive stability.
This draw is a good learning experience for Twente and will hopefully provide valuable lessons for the upcoming matches.
The next challenge awaits in the Eredivisie with the home match against FC Groningen next Sunday.