Palun Revels in Return as Nice Stun Monaco in Côte d’Azur Derby
OGC Nice claimed a crucial 1–0 away win over AS Monaco on Friday night, kicking off the eighth round of Ligue 1 with a spirited performance in the Côte d’Azur derby. Midfielder Lloyd Palun, restored to the starting lineup in recent weeks, expressed both relief and satisfaction at his return to regular first-team action.
“It’s been a while since I played before these last two matches,” said the Gabon international after the final whistle. “When you’re competitive, you always miss the pitch. I’m even happier to be back out there, especially facing two strong teams like Lille and Monaco.”
The only goal of the match came amid a gritty display by the visitors, who held firm defensively to secure all three points at the Stade Louis II. For Palun and his teammates, the win was more than just a local bragging right — it was a morale booster.
“Winning today, in such an atmosphere, in front of our fans, does us a lot of good,” Palun added. “It allows us to progress more quickly. We have to continue on this path and persevere, especially in our home form.”
The victory lifts Nice temporarily into 8th place in the Ligue 1 standings, on 13 points. It also serves as a confidence builder for Claude Puel’s side as they look to find consistency after a mixed start to the season.
