Bastia vs Nice

In a highly anticipated Coupe de France round of 32 clash, Bastia are poised to host Ligue 1 side Nice at Stade Armand-Cesari, with both teams aiming to make a significant mark in the competition. For Bastia, the match represents an opportunity to reach the round of 16 for the second time in four years, while Nice will be looking to continue their strong run in the cup and build on their recent successes in Ligue 1.

Bastia, a club from Ligue 2, have shown impressive attacking form in 2025, which has injected optimism into their campaign. Despite their position in the second tier of French football, their recent offensive displays indicate that they could be a challenging proposition for a top-flight team like Nice. However, the Eaglets, as Nice are affectionately known, have also been in fine attacking form, making this an intriguing contest between two sides that have the potential to deliver goals.

Looking back at their Coupe de France history, Bastia have had a mixed record in recent years, but they have managed to progress to the round of 32 on three occasions out of the last four attempts. Their best performance in recent times came in the 2021-22 season when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Nantes. This strong cup run came after two disappointing first-round exits in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, a period that left the club eager to redeem themselves in the competition.

However, last season's Coupe de France campaign was one to forget for Bastia. The team suffered a shock 4-1 defeat to Lyon La Duchere in the third round, a result that left many fans and players disappointed. Nonetheless, they have already surpassed that result this year and are keen to prove their worth against their more illustrious Ligue 1 opponents. A victory in this match would mark another step forward for the club, and they will be eager to extend their three-match unbeaten run against Nice. This includes a win and two draws in their last three encounters, providing them with a sense of confidence heading into the tie.

Bastia may currently sit mid-table in Ligue 2, but their attacking prowess cannot be understated. Since the latter half of 2024, they have been in scintillating form, scoring freely in several matches. They finished the previous year on a high note, netting eight goals across two matches, and have continued this momentum into 2025, despite a narrow 3-2 loss to Grenoble on January 3. Just days later, they bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Ajaccio, showing that they have the attacking firepower to take on any opponent, including a team from Ligue 1.

The Lions of Furiani, as Bastia are known, have also been solid defensively in the Coupe de France this season. They have kept three clean sheets in the competition, starting with a dominant 4-0 victory over Freyming in the opening round. This was followed by a 2-0 win against Nancy and a resounding 3-0 triumph over RC Saint Joseph in December. These results demonstrate that Bastia are a well-rounded team capable of competing at a high level, even against teams from higher divisions. However, their next challenge will be far tougher, as Nice's attacking strength is undeniable.

Nice, under the guidance of manager Franck Haise, enter the round of 32 in good form, though their recent performances have been somewhat erratic. The team has often had to outscore their opponents in order to secure victories, a trend that could be both a blessing and a curse in cup competition. Their attacking play has been fluid and potent, but their defense has shown signs of vulnerability, especially in high-scoring matches. In 2025, Nice have been one of only four Ligue 1 sides to maintain a perfect record, alongside Marseille, Strasbourg, and Angers. However, despite their offensive success, they have conceded two goals in each of their 3-2 win over Rennes and 4-2 victory over Reims, raising concerns about their defensive fragility.

This defensive weakness will likely give Bastia a glimmer of hope, as the Corsican side will be keen to exploit any gaps in the Nice backline. The Eaglets' defense has been leaky at times, and this has left them susceptible to counter-attacks and set-piece situations. If Bastia can capitalize on these vulnerabilities, they could be in with a real chance of causing an upset. Fans of the home side will be hopeful that Nice's defense will continue to show signs of inconsistency, especially after the Eaglets' difficult win over fifth-tier Corte in the previous round, where they were taken to penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Despite their flaws, Nice have been able to progress to the latter stages of the Coupe de France in recent years, with their 2022 run to the final standing out as a remarkable achievement. That year, they reached the final before falling to Nantes, and it marked a rare deep run in the competition for the club. Aside from that, their most recent deep cup run came last season when they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out, making it only the second time in recent years that they had made it beyond the round of 16. Their 2021-22 final appearance, however, remains an outlier, as they have typically failed to live up to that level of performance in the Coupe de France in the years before and after.

For manager Franck Haise, there is a lot to prove in this year's competition. Nice's league form has been solid, but their inconsistent cup performances, especially in the Coupe de France, have left some doubts about their ability to go all the way. While their attacking play has been a joy to watch, their defensive lapses have sometimes undermined their progress, and Haise will need to find a way to shore up his defense if Nice are to progress further in this competition. The manager's tactical decisions will be crucial in this encounter, as he will need to strike the right balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity.

Bastia, on the other hand, will be hoping that their attacking form and solid defense in the Coupe de France can carry them past this significant hurdle. They have been one of the more exciting teams in Ligue 2 in recent months, and their confidence will be high after a string of impressive performances. However, Nice are a team with far greater resources, and the challenge they pose will not be underestimated. It will take a near-perfect performance from Bastia to secure a result against a Ligue 1 team with such attacking prowess, but the Cup competition is known for its surprises, and Bastia will be hoping to add another chapter to their own fairytale run.

In conclusion, this round of 32 encounter between Bastia and Nice promises to be a captivating cup tie. Bastia will be looking to continue their strong form in the competition, aiming to make it to the round of 16 for the second time in four years. On the other hand, Nice will be keen to maintain their positive momentum and build on their attacking strengths to advance. With both teams possessing potent attacks and defensive vulnerabilities, this match could be a thrilling, high-scoring affair, and one that will captivate fans as they witness the drama unfold on the pitch. Whether Bastia can overcome their Ligue 1 counterparts or Nice can finally put their defensive concerns to rest remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this match is set to deliver excitement and entertainment.