Football unites fans around the globe, offering not just entertainment but emotional highs and a profound sense of tradition. This week, the Derby de la Côte d’Azur, a fierce rivalry between OGC Nice and AS Monaco, takes center stage. Fans eagerly anticipate this historic clash, which transcends the boundaries of sport. This derby is more than just a game; it’s a tribute to nerve, pride, and the distinct identities of two iconic clubs. Over the decades, the Derby de la Côte d’Azur has produced unforgettable moments, significant encounters, and a rich history that embodies the cultural and competitive spirit of Ligue 1 football. As the match approaches, the excitement in the air is visible, promising to add another captivating chapter to football history. The Louis II Stadium in the Fontvieille district of Monaco will host the Derby de la Côte d’Azur on March 30, 2025. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating, tradition-rich clash this weekend and immerse yourself in the excitement of this historic encounter. This article explores the Derby de la Côte d’Azur, detailing its rich history, past encounters between the teams, predictions, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped this iconic rivalry over the years. Also, explore all your favorite sports with us and stay informed with the latest updates. We offer comprehensive team line-ups, detailed stats, calculated odds, insightful predictions, and analysis to keep you informed.
The Origins of the Derby de la Côte d’Azur:
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, enchants visitors with its stunning beaches, lively surroundings, and perfect blend of calmness and fun. It’s natural beauty and Mediterranean charm deliver a refreshing breeze that invites relaxation. Beyond its serene landscapes, the Côte d’Azur serves as the stage for one of football’s most passionate rivalries: the “Derby de la Côte d’Azur.”
Only 20 kilometers separate Monaco and Nice, inducing a natural geographic rivalry between AS Monaco and OGC Nice. Their iconic battle began on November 8, 1953, when the two teams faced off for the first time. OGC Nice claimed victory, defeating Monaco 3–0 and setting the tone for a tradition that continues to captivate fans. The derby began as a friendly competition between neighbors, shaped by their geographic proximity, but has grown into one of football’s most celebrated rivalries.
From Friendly Encounters to Heated Battles
Do sports always end on friendly terms, even among friends? Not always. Every game ends with either victory or defeat, which often brings the potential for tension and competitive friction. This dynamic frequently extends beyond individual players to entire teams. A similar scenario played out between Monaco and Nice in the Derby de la Côte d’Azur, where friendly encounters eventually evolved into fierce rivalries.
Over the years, AS Monaco and OGC Nice have grown and become prominent in notable leagues. Monaco achieved greater heights with multiple titles, domestic cups, and dominant performances in European competitions. Meanwhile, OGC Nice underwent its development phase. Despite securing some notable records, Nice has significantly improved in recent years. While Monaco’s success has been more consistent, Nice is striving to establish itself as a strong contender in French football.
More importantly, OGC Nice fans take immense pride in their club and identity. They always cheer for the Nice team to defeat the historically strong Monaco. This rivalry has only added more fire to the Derby de la Côte d’Azur, making the battles even fiercer over the years.
Competitive History: Monaco vs. Nice
The Derby de la Côte d’Azur, which started in 1953, has seen AS Monaco and OGC Nice face off in approximately 127 matches across all competitions. This long-standing rivalry highlights the fierce competition between the two teams. Now, let’s take a closer look at how many games each team has won.
| Team | Wins |
| AS Monaco | 57 |
| OGC Nice | 37 |
| Draws | 33 |
The above head-to-head comparison table highlights the significant difference in the two teams’ win-loss records, with AS Monaco dominating OGC Nice on numerous occasions. Now, let’s take a look at the teams’ recent five results.
| Date | Winner | Score | Competition |
| October 27, 2024 | OGC Nice | 2–1 | Ligue 1 |
| February 3, 2024 | AS Monaco | 3–0 | Ligue 1 |
| September 17, 2023 | OGC Nice | 1–0 | Ligue 1 |
| March 20, 2023 | AS Monaco | 2–1 | Ligue 1 |
| December 4, 2022 | Draw | 1–1 | Ligue 1 |
This summary of the last five Derby de la Côte d’Azur matches shows that the teams were closely competitive in each clash, demonstrating a high level of competitiveness. It also suggests that the teams are expected to deliver a top-tier performance in this matchup. Let’s see which team puts forth their fullest effort to claim the pride and add another jewel to their crown.
Unforgettable Highlights from the Côte d’Azur Rivalry
Since its inception, several memorable moments have shaped the Derby de la Côte d’Azur. Let’s explore a few events that have significantly impacted this iconic rivalry over the years.
The 1961 Derby de la Côte d’Azur:
The Derby de la Côte d’Azur, which occurred on April 9, 1961, remains one of the most iconic matches in its history. The Nice team and their fans were on cloud nine that day. OGC Nice delivered a stunning performance, defeating AS Monaco with an impressive 6–0 score. This matchup is the most significant victory ever recorded in the derby’s history. It ignited immense hope and pride among fans for their team and players. This remarkable triumph continues to be a celebrated topic in the city.
The 100th encounter:
AS Monaco delivered another unforgettable performance in the Derby de la Côte d’Azur on February 4, 2021, defeating OGC Nice with a 2–1 score. This victory marked their sixth consecutive triumph in the rivalry. The match occurred at Stade Louis II, the venue for this historic clash. Notably, the event also celebrated the milestone of 100 encounters between AS Monaco and OGC Nice, adding further significance to the occasion.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Derby de la Côte d’Azur?
A Ligue 1 season typically features two Derby de la Côte d’Azur matches; one at Nice’s home stadium, the Allianz Riviera, and the other at Monaco’s home field, Stade Louis II. In this season’s first clash at Nice’s stadium, OGC Nice emerged victorious with a 2–1 score. Now, the spotlight shifts to Monaco’s stadium for the second encounter. The excitement and anticipation are at their peak as fans eagerly wait to see which team will claim victory this time.
To keep up the enthusiasm, we have compiled all the details for the upcoming Derby de la Côte d’Azur, including the date, time, streaming options, and predictions. Our site provides the latest updates on Ligue 1 matchups along with their predictions. Stay connected to catch all the action surrounding your favorite sport.
Derby de la Côte d’Azur – Event Details
Teams: AS Monaco vs. OGC Nice
Date: March 29, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 08:05 PM GMT | 04:05 PM EST | 01:35 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Stade Louis II, Fontvieille district, Monaco.
Predicted Lineups:
AS Monaco: Vanderson de Oliveira Campos, Wilfried Singo, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique Oliveira Silva, Philipp Köhn, Denis Zakaria, Moatasem Al-Musrati, Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Mika Biereth
OGC Nice: Marcin Bułka, Moïse Bombito, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Dante Bonfim Costa Santos, Tom Louchet, Hicham Boudaoui, Baptiste Santamaria, Ali Abdi, Evann Guessand, Gaëtan Laborde, Sofiane Diop.
Predictions:
The Derby de la Côte d’Azur between AS Monaco and OGC Nice promises to deliver thrilling moments until the final whistle. In their last meeting, OGC Nice secured a 2–1 victory in a clash held at their home ground, Allianz Riviera, which played a crucial role in their success. During that match, Evann Guessand and Gaëtan Laborde each scored for Nice, while Breel Embolo netted Monaco’s lone goal. Nice maintained 40% possession, with nine of their 17 shots on target. Monaco dominated possession with 60%, converting five of their 11 shots into targets. Despite the difference in possession, both teams showcased competitive performances.
Moving on to their recent form, AS Monaco holds a well-deserved third position in the Ligue 1 standings with 47 points, just two points behind second-placed Marseille, indicating their strong prospects to finish the season on a high note. At home, Monaco has exhibited exceptional form during the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season at their iconic Stade Louis II, with standout defensive displays that have made opposing teams wary. Key players like Mika Biereth and Takumi Minamino have delivered remarkable performances, adding to Monaco’s dominance at home. AS Monaco is preparing to host this derby and plans to come out full force, aiming to shut out Nice and claim victory. The fans eagerly await the Red and Whites’ attempt to deliver another memorable performance and outplay OGC Nice.
OGC Nice currently holds fourth place in the Ligue 1 standings, tied with AS Monaco at 47 points. Also, check the 2024-25 Ligue 1 Standingsto learn more about the current positions of your favorite teams. The Nice team has demonstrated remarkable growth, matching the prowess of Monaco, once considered an unreachable benchmark. Their step-by-step improvement is evident; finishing ninth in the 2022–23 season, climbing to fifth in the 2023–24 season, and securing fourth place. This steady progress showcases the determination and focus of the Nice team as they prepare for the upcoming clash.
With the same staggering determination, OGC Nice plans to deliver a highly competitive and dominant performance against AS Monaco. As anticipation peaks for this dramatic showdown, Monaco’s home-field advantage at Stade Louis II makes them favorites to secure a victory. However, Nice will likely challenge them with a solid offensive display, promising an exciting matchup for fans.
