Winner in Austria last week (0-3), Lille validated its place in the quarter-finals of the Conference League by drawing against Sturm Graz this Thursday (1-1).
Mission accomplished for Losc, who unlike OM in the Europa League did not tremble to convert their excellent result from the first leg into qualifying this Thursday evening. While the Marseillais, who defeated Villarreal 4-0 in the first leg and were beaten today in Spain by a score of 3-1, played with the game; the Northerners perfectly managed the good lead taken in Austria during their Conference League round of 16 first leg (0-3).
In front of their home crowd, the Mastiffs were able to rotate their typical team somewhat while mastering the debates against Sturm Graz. Tiago Santos even gave his team the lead before the break (1-0, 43e). A short-lived advantage, however, since the Austrians immediately responded, through Biereth (1-1, 45e+2). Nothing, however, sowed doubt in the minds of Lille.
The Scarecrow Aston Villa
On arrival, if Losc did not win this Thursday, the essentials were assured and the ticket for the quarter-finals of the third European Cup was well and truly pocketed. With a next European poster which will be determined from Friday, 2 p.m., according to the draw carried out at UEFA headquarters.
For potential opponent, then, Lille will have to avoid Aston Villa as much as possible, who are having an excellent season in the Premier League and outclassed Ajax this Thursday evening in Birmingham (4-0) after a goalless draw in Amsterdam at the go. Otherwise, we will have to deal with Fiorentina, Fenerbahçe, PAOK Salonika, Plzen, Club Bruges or Olympiakos.
