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Nantes came from behind to claim a point at the Stade du Ray on Saturday, after Mamadou Bagayoko had given the home side the lead against his former club.
Indeed Bagayoko’s goal was a real case of Nantes' old boys coming back to haunt them. Former Canaris forward Marama Vahirau sent over a free kick from the left, Bagayoko headed goalwards and the ball was parried by Mickael Landreau. Bagayoko reacted quicker than anyone and prodded the rebound home.
Nice dominated for the remainder of the first half, and Landreau had to produce fine saves to deny Bakary Koné, then Bagayoko. But Frédéric Antonetti’s team lost their concentration at the start of the second period and paid a heavy price. Emerse Faé picked up possession on the halfway line and was allowed to advance towards the penalty area unopposed. The Nantes midfielder eventually let fly with a shot that deceived Damien Grégorini and flew in.
Nice pushed for a winner and Bagayoko should have delivered it on 69 minutes. The Malian forward was played clean through but he opted for power in his shot and the outstanding Landreau got his body in the way and cleared the danger.
Nantes had to defend with 10 men for the last five minutes after Mauro Cetto was sent off for a dreadful tackle on Bagayoko, and they almost folded in stoppage time. Fortunately for the visitors, Sébastien Roudet shot wide when well placed in front of Landreau’s goal.
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