Strasbourg ease past Nice as Emegha makes long-awaited return

Strasbourg strengthened their push for European qualification with a convincing 3-1 victory over Nice at the Meinau, in a match that also saw the long-awaited return of Emanuel Emegha from injury.

Racing ultimately cruised to victory, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the early pattern of the game. Nice began brightly, creating the first major opportunity when Sofiane Diop hesitated in front of goal, allowing the Strasbourg defence to recover. Franck Haise’s side continued to threaten through Evann Guessand and Terem Moffi, but lacked the clinical edge required to capitalise on their early dominance.

Strasbourg, by contrast, proved ruthless. It was Martial Godo who opened the scoring on 28 minutes, rising unmarked to guide Dilane Bakwa’s cross into the far corner with a composed header. The goal marked his eighth of the Ligue 1 campaign and shifted the momentum firmly in Racing’s favour.

Just eight minutes later, Julio Enciso doubled the lead. Capitalising on a loose touch in midfield, the Brighton loanee raced through on goal, rounded Marcin Bułka, and calmly slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0.

The hosts then produced the moment of the match before the break. Samir El Mourabet unleashed a stunning first-time effort from the edge of the box, his strike flying into the top corner to give Strasbourg a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time—his first Ligue 1 goal of the season.

With the game effectively decided, the second half saw Strasbourg manage proceedings with control and composure. Nice struggled to generate sustained pressure, with their attacks frequently breaking down before troubling the impressive Ortwin De Wolf in the Strasbourg goal.

Emegha returns to action

The biggest cheer of the afternoon, however, arrived in the 77th minute. After more than four months on the sidelines, Emanuel Emegha made his return from injury. His last appearance had come in late November, and while sections of the crowd voiced frustration, the striker acknowledged the supporters who welcomed him back—marking an important step in his reintegration ahead of the run-in.

Nice did manage a late consolation through Antoine Mendy, whose long-range effort took a deflection and wrong-footed the goalkeeper, but it did little to alter the overall narrative.

Strasbourg’s efficiency proved decisive, turning a competitive opening into a one-sided contest with clinical finishing and midfield control. For Strasbourg, this result reinforces their growing credentials in the race for European football. For Nice, meanwhile, the defeat underlines ongoing attacking issues and leaves them looking nervously over their shoulder in the battle to avoid relegation.

THE STAT: goals galore

Strasbourg have scored in 23 of their 28 games, only Paris Saint-Germain (25) have scored goals in more matches in the Ligue 1 this season.

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