Congolese midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau was the main architect of Lille’s victory against Bologna (2-1), Wednesday November 27 in the Champions League. Author of his first two goals in his professional career, the young Lille player could have a card to play in the continuation of the good European season for the northern club, currently 12th in the Champions League standings.
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It’s a sensational entry onto the European scene for the young Leopard. At just 20 years old, Congolese midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau guided Lille to victory by scoring a cool double against Bologna (2-1) on Wednesday in the Champions League. These are his first two goals scored in his professional career, for his very first season played under the colors of the northern club.
Surprise from Lille coach Bruno Genesio at kick-off, Mukau first opened the scoring in two stages just before half-time, beaten once by the Italian goalkeeper before finally finding the net. a well-aimed lob from close range (44th, 1-0). After Bologna’s equalizer in the second half (63rd, 1-1), it was again the Congolese who found himself well placed in the area, perfectly taking Fernandez-Pardo’s back cross to deceive Skorupski on his left (66th, 2-1).
A victory which bears the seal of Lille’s youth, embodied of course by Ngal’ayel Mukau but also by the rest of the club’s young guard, like Matias Fernandez-Pardo (19 years old) or Ayyoub Bouaddi (17 years). “ I am very happy to see that young players are flourishing and progressing, rejoiced their coach Bruno Genesio after the match. We will also need leaders, experienced players, and that is also what makes us strong. : this alchemy between very young players who have a lot of carefreeness and those who have a little more experience, tactical and emotional stability. »
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“ I had never scored, even in my old clubs »
In an unusual role for his profile, Ngal’ayel Mukau in any case seized his chance in the best possible way by producing a remarkable performance. “ It’s the first time I’m playing higher up, basically I’m a defensive midfielder. But the coach wanted to try something else. (…) I had never scored, even in my former clubs or in the championship. In the Champions League, it’s been a dream since I was little. I am very happy », Declared the young midfielder at the microphone of Canal+ after the match.
This new success for Lille, 12th in the standings with ten points after five days of competition, allows them to glimpse the play-offs for access to the round of 16 of the competition, in particular thanks to their prestigious success against Real Madrid (1-0 ) and Atlético (3-1). They can even hope to grab a few more places by winning against Sturm Graz (December 11) and Feyenoord (January 29), or even Liverpool, current leader of the C1, in their Anfield lair (January 21). There is no doubt that the revelation Ngal’ayel Mukau will have a card to play in the continuation of Lille’s European adventure, just as with the Congolese selection which called him up for the first time last September.