France can seriously consider the prospects for a fourth representative in Champions League. While PSG, Brest and Monaco are sure to compete queen of european competitions, Lille still have to secure a trip to Prague, this Wednesday night in the return leg of C1 (9pm).
Serious and diligent in the first leg (2-0), when they are welcomed at the Hainaut stadium in Valenciennes, the Mastiffs will want to avoid fear, or even discouragement that is similar to or – absence from the competition.
“I expect a warm welcome, I know the public is always a bit on fire,” affirms Thomas Meunier, LOSC’s new defender. It’s 2-0, you concede a goal in the ‘ first quarter of an hour and that changes the whole situation. So we have to go as if it was 0-0, without any advantage, to win the match. » Aïssa Mandi , the other employer in the defense sector, admits that it is “complicated to manage a score”.
Last season, Slavia finished 1st in their Europa League group with 15 points out of a possible 18, notably dominating Roma (2-0). The team was then eliminated in the round of 16 by AC Milan (4-2, 3-1). The team receives special support from Vaclav Jurecka, the main winner of the Czech championship last season with 19 goals.
“It’s a good start,” confirms Bruno Genesio
This match is very important, especially on a sporting level, as it will determine the European season of Lille, transferred in the worst case to the Europa League. The issue also concerns the club’s finances, as qualification for the Champions League will be accompanied by an important investigation. Furthermore, qualification for the Champions League could attract players at the end of the transfer window and force others to stay.
So far, the start of Lille’s season has started in the best way. In Ligue 1, Bruno Genesio’s men won twice with a score of 2-0, against Reims and Angers. Before their win last week against Slavia, Lille had taken over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the third preliminary round of C1 (2-1, 1-1).
“I congratulate my players,” said coach Bruno Genesio. With a series of five matches every three days, where we had to go especially to Istanbul. It’s a great start, and I take my hat off to my group. »
David and Zhegrova are still convinced?
Among the players expected this Wednesday are Jonathan David and Edon Zhegrova. Both men scored in the first leg and represent the biggest attacking threat for the Czechs. David is starting his fifth season at LOSC and was part of the Champions League adventure in the 2021-2022 season. The period when Lille finished first in their group before losing in the round of 16 to Chelsea. Zhegrova, for his part, is still in the 2023-2024 financial year with 12 goals and 9 offers in all competitions.
In midfield, the Mastiffs rely on Hakon Haraldsson. Charged with more after Nabil Bentaleb’s heart attack in June and Angel Gomes’ concussion against Reims on the opening day, the Icelander has the chance to continue his exciting trend. While the draw for the Champions League will be this Thursday, August 29, Lille will know the night before if their team is part of it or not.
2024-08-28 06:23:59
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