Lille won against Sturm Graz (3-2), remaining undefeated at home this season in the Champions League and temporarily moving up to sixth place in the league phase during the sixth day of the competition, this Wednesday, December 11 .
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The people of Lille certainly did not imagine that the task was going to be so difficult. After the first 45 minutes, totally dominated by Génésio’s men, the northerners’ victory seemed offered on a silver platter. But in football, nothing is taken for granted.
A start to the match under Lille control
From the start of the match, Lille managed to stifle their Austrian opponents from Sturm Graz, who did not exist in the first quarter with barely 21% possession. Beyond possession, Lille impresses. Despite playing with one touch of the ball and in the small spaces in the opposing penalty area, the club lacked finishing on a few occasions. Jonathan David in particular, already a scorer six times in the Champions League, was not having one of his great nights.
Regardless, Lille has other attackers who can take over. Moroccan international Osame Sahraoui confirmed his team’s domination in the 37th minute by scoring his first goal in the colors of LOSC. His teammate Mitchell Bakker doubled the lead in stoppage time (45+2), and the entire Pierre Mauroy stadium was left dreaming of the three points synonymous with victory.
Otar Kiteishvili brought them back to reality a minute later, with a powerful strike under Chevalier’s bar, just before returning to the locker room. Victory was far from certain.
One goal and everything falls apart
At the start of the second half, Lille’s confidence had disappeared. Mika Biereth knocks out Lille from the start, and equalizes (47th). The Mastiffs then appear more feverish, less comfortable in the game and less technically skilled. Everything has to be redone.
The Sturm Graz players are confident, and are more offensive than during the first half. In the 80th minute of play, Bruno Génésio brings on midfielder Haraldson. The latter scored the third saving goal a minute later. Winning coaching.
In the end, Lille secured qualification for the play-offs. The next meeting will be big, since one of the best European clubs will await them at Anfield: Liverpool, undefeated this season in the Champions League.