Nice 2-1 Lorient: Mario Balotelli scores stunning late winner moments before being sent off to give Nice a 2-1 victory over Lorient to top Ligue 1.
Nice went ahead in the 11th minute through Ricardo Pereira and the visitors drew level through Benjamin Moukandjo in the 61st minute
Mario Balotelli scored the winner with four minutes left of normal time but picked up two quick yellows after scoring the winner.Â
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Balotelli, who received his first booking after taking off his jersey when he celebrated his goal in the 86th minute, was sanctioned again in stoppage time after an altercation with defender Steven Moreira, who had started the scuffle.
Balotelli had dribbled past Moreira before sending a powerful drive from the edge of the box into the top right corner for his sixth goal in five appearances for the French leaders.
Balotelli has made a strong start to his career in France since joining this summer after disappointing stints with Liverpool and AC Milan.
He has already scored five goals in three league games and added one to his tally midweek in the Europa League, but was overlooked for a recall to the Italy squad this week.
Ricardo Pereira had put the hosts in front in the 11th minute before Benjamin Moukandjo leveled with a right-footed shot from Mohamed Mara's pass. Daily Mail
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