Nice has secured their place in the UEFA Europa League qualifying zone after defeating Brest 2-1 in their Ligue 1 clash.
The match saw Nice dominate possession and create numerous opportunities, with Yacine Adli and Moussa Dembélé both hitting the post for the visitors. However, Brest held firm and were only beaten late on by a goal from substitute Karim Ziani.
Nice now advance to the next round of the competition, which will be decided by a playoff against another team from France or Belgium. The winner will face either Manchester United or Inter Milan in the group stage.
"Winning this game was important for us," said manager Christophe Galtier. "We knew it would be tough, but we played well and created chances. We're happy to have progressed."
For Brest, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. They had put in a good performance and were close to securing a win before being denied by a late equaliser.
"It's disappointing," said head coach Julien Stéphan. "We gave everything, but we couldn't find that final touch. We'll need to regroup and come back stronger next time."
Overall, the victory is a positive step forward for Nice, who have already qualified for the Champions League through their domestic league. They now turn their attention to the upcoming playoffs and the chance to progress further into Europe.