- Nice went ahead in the 11th minute against Lorient through Ricardo Pereira
- The visitors drew level through Benjamin Moukandjo in the 61st minute
- Mario Balotelli scored the winner with four minutes left of normal time
- However, Balotteli picked up two quick yellows after scoring the winner
Mario Balotelli may be left asking ‘why always me?’ after Sunday night’s victory against Lorient.
The Italian striker, who is as famous for his antics off and on the pitch as he is for his beautiful goals, scored a stunning late winner for Nice in a 2-1 defeat of Lorient on Sunday. ‘Super Mario’ was then sent off for a second yellow card in a decision that looked harsh.
Nice returned to the top of the standings, one point above its Riviera rival Monaco.
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.
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