For the 1e time in history, there will be four French clubs in the final phase of the Champions League. PSG, Monaco and Brest were joined this Wednesday by Lille. The northern team invited itself to the continental grand mass by pushing Slavia Prague out of its path (2-0, 1-2).
As they had done in the previous round against Fenerbahçe, the Dogues went to seek qualification away from home after winning the first leg. However, it was not easy, especially after the Czechs opened the scoring early, scored by Zaiferis with an uncontrolled shot on the edge of the area (5e). But, LOSC never lost its footing and ensured the essentials in the end.
Lille trembled towards the end
With their backs to the wall, Genésio’s men continued to play their game calmly until they managed to find the gap in the opponent’s area. The first warning came at the hour mark with Edon Zhegrova’s free kick that hit the crossbar. Then, the same Zhegrova managed to equalize with a shot from outside the area following a pass from Jonathan David (77e).
By restoring parity, Lille thought they had put themselves in a safe place, but a second opposing goal, scored from close range by the Slovakian Schranz (84e), brought back some suspense to this game. Fortunately, the Northerners held firm towards the end, tightening the lock perfectly to preserve their goal lead. Apart from a devilish shot from Zaifiris on the post (88e), they did not concede anything.
LOSC will therefore participate in the most prestigious of European competitions. A great reward for this team after the 2023/2024 season that it experienced under the orders of Paulo Fonseca.
