Two weeks after its victory in Bologna, Losc did not fail to capitalize on these points acquired away in front of its audience, this Wednesday, during the 6e lifting of the initial phase of the Champions League. At the expense of Sturm Graz, Lille had the last word with a score of 3-2. Not without getting a little scared.
Faced with a relatively modest opponent, excluded for the moment from the club of 24 qualifiers and beaten in particular by Brest three months ago in Guingamp (2-1), the Mastiffs seemed to make their task easier by finding the fault after the half hour of play by Sarhaoui (1-0, 37e) – an opening score quickly followed by the break, obtained by Bakker in added time of the first act (2-0, 45e+2). Only a guilty relaxation just before the break almost cost them dearly.
Qualification almost assured
Two minutes later, Kiteishvili restarted his team at the right time (2-1, 45e+4). Then Biereth, returning from the locker room, struck in turn to bring his side back up to par (2-2, 47e). A blow to the heads of northern supporters. We had to wait for money time and a cannon shot from Haraldsson to see Lille regain the upper hand – just one minute after the Icelandic came into play (3-2, 81e).
A very important achievement since it gives Losc provisional sixth place in the general ranking of this Champions League. So one of the eight precious seeds directly qualifying for the round of 16. With 13 units on the clock (as many as Stade Brestois), Lille, barring a cataclysm, can consider itself qualified for the final phase, because it is almost guaranteed to finish this league phase in the top 24. With Liverpool and Feyenoord in outlook next month.