The game: The virtues of a champion
Lille played as a champion. He could not better respond to the challenge of such a European meeting. The Northerners had all or almost everything, making the most of their qualities of speed in attack, symbolized by the lethal counter which allowed them to open the scoring. On their first opportunity. Because the Mastiffs also knew how to make their efficiency speak on both surfaces, with a coherent game plan and the tactical discipline to execute it perfectly. They are not content to wait. They always wanted to hurt the opponent and took advantage of his mistakes, like the two goals scored in six minutes in the second half to take cover. And thus validate a well-deserved victory and qualification.
The players: Ikoné’s recital
Champions League
Lille, the perfect evening
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Yesterday At 9:50 PM
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It took an individuality to make the difference and magnify the collective performance of Lille. Jonathan Ikoné put on this costume perfectly. Untenable, the former Parisian brought a nightmare to the German defense, beyond his remarkable work and his caviar on the first goal of Burak Yilmaz, the one who changes everything. A time behind, Jonathan David was able to gain strength and be decisive on an offering from Angel Gomes, also scorer and author of a thunderous entry. Finally, what to say about Sven Botman, perfectly placed on all the trajectories and imperial in the duels. His return is doing the northerner defense a great deal of good.
Jonathan David and Angel Gomes, two protagonists of Lille’s brilliant victory at Wolfsburg
Credit: Getty Images
The X factor: Grbic, the art of recovery
He was especially expected in his first role, that of the goalkeeper probably brought to be bombarded in a decisive European match away. Ivo Grbic was not that much and was able to respond when he was asked. But the Lille goalkeeper was able to show himself where we did not expect him, in the offensive field. Because his quick and precise recovery to find Ikoné was decisive on the opening of the Lille score. An overtaking of function to be underlined for the one who had the delicate task of succeeding Mike Maignan last summer.
The state: 1
It’s a first. Lille had only left the group stage of C1 once, and it was in second place, fifteen years ago. The Northerners had never completed a first round of the Champions League at the top of their group. It is now done. And that gives them a special status. Of all the first groups of this edition of the C1, LOSC is the only club not to have a European title. His merit for having obtained this leader’s chair is even greater.
The statement: Jocelyn Gourvennec (Lille coach)
We have honored Ligue 1, the title of champion and this great competition that is the Champions League and that will not be taken away from us.
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The question: can Lille see even further?
The real tour de force of Lille is to have been able to rise to the height of the event. It was far from obvious. The LOSC had a title of champion of France and a rather gloomy offseason to digest. His start of the European campaign suggested that the European march was too high in these conditions. But the northern club has been able to rebuild itself in difficulty. He refused to sink. This resilience has enabled it to give itself a European future. It will be his best asset as we approach next spring. This will not be enough, but Lille has others.
The formation of Jocelyn Gourvennec has found some of the virtues that had guided him to the top of Ligue 1 last season, and that the Mastiffs sometimes struggle to display when it comes to regaining the championship. Paradoxically, his defense is much stronger when it comes to fighting in the Champions League. His offensive talent is still there, and the Northerners have found the efficiency that they lacked at the start of this group stage to make it grow. Lille has these qualities so precious to consider a good course in C1. And play the spoilsport.
Precisely, the level will rise. If it is necessary to relativize the Lille qualification, and the first place of its group, it is in relation to the opposition. Opponents of the Northerners, like Wolfsburg, showed crippling gaps at this level and the Mastiffs had the merit of taking advantage of them. The one they will inherit in the round of 16 will probably be higher. And there is a winter and a transfer window to go through. Lille must not ignite. But these Lille residents deserved to be in the European Top 16. Because they knew how to decomplex themselves to finally play their game. And if the Mastiffs approach the 8th with the same desire to let go, it will not be a part of pleasure to face them.
The joy of Lille after the goal of Burak Yilmaz against Wolfsburg, December 8, 2021 in the Champions League
Credit: Getty Images
Champions League
Gourvennec: “We have been criticized … but that will not be taken away from us”
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YESTERDAY At 11:53 PM
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Champions League
Lille, the perfect evening
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Yesterday At 9:50 PM
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