Lille overthrew Rijeka to sign a precious success, this Thursday, in the first leg of the Europa League Conference (2-1). We will have to finish the job in Croatia on August 31.
It was only a first leg of the Europa League Conference, but France football is too used to disappointments, in the heart of summer, not to savor the exciting scenario of this first round. Especially since this first leg was a trap for LOSC. When Pasalic showered Pierre-Mauroy to open the scoring to everyone’s surprise with a subtle lob before the half-hour mark (0-1, 24th), the specter of the curse of the French representatives resurfaced.
The reality, however, is that it would have been unfair for Lille to stop there. Because once again, the formation of Paulo Fonseca offered a frankly exciting collective performance, in terms of content. Largely dominating in all aspects of the game, she could and should have avoided such fears if she had had a realism to match her production. It’s really the fault of his qualities – which cost him a better ranking last season.
LOSC rewarded for its production
It was therefore no coincidence to see LOSC resurface before half-time after multiple attacks on the Croatian goal. The Mastiffs equalized with style, thanks to the very fine Zhegrova, whose low shot ended up in the opposite side net after a superb collective movement (1-1, 43rd).
And if Lille continued to be enterprising after returning from the locker room, like Jonathan David, out of luck against Labrovic (47th), or a Cabella not precise enough in the last gesture (53rd), the Light came from a 17-year-old boy, Leny Yoro, soaring into the skies to catapult the ball into the back of the net with an uncrossed header from a corner (2-1, 87′).
On favorable waivers, these incorrigible Lille still released their guard at the end of the night, just before the final whistle, but Chevalier worked miracles to repel two shots – against Jankovic then Fruk – and keep a logical score in view of the physiognomy of the match. A little reminder shot with a clear message, before the return in a week: we must leave no crumbs to the opponent. In the European Cup, the slightest weak time is very expensive.
