The LOSC began its Europa League campaign against Brann in delicate conditions. With a Giroud on the bench, the Lille coach launched Hamza Igamane and the young Maxima Goffi (17) in central defense. The Norwegians quickly displayed their intentions, Kornvig bordering on the framework of an early head which put the Lille defense on alert. Well gathered in a compact block, visitors then imposed a physical pressing in the middle, recovering many balloons and systematically cutting the counterattacks from LOSC.
Gradually, the Dogues have found possession, but the frank opportunities were rare and Lille had trouble being dangerous. Sahraoui tried to energize the game with individual initiatives, but his too crossed strike did not worry the goalkeeper. Igamane also had two opportunities without being able to frame. Bentaleb's stop kicks had little effect, Dyngeland has almost nothing to intercept.
The second period began on a similar pace, with a LOSC looking forward. In the 54th minute, Lille finally opened the scoring. Fernandez-Pardo launched a counterattack, his center at the second post found Igamane who deceived the goalkeeper of a grazing strike (1-0). Equalization was quick. Magnusson took advantage of a loss of ball and adjusted Özer, a strike that hit the bar before crossing the line.
Giroud, deliverance
Despite Brann's reaction, Lille remained patient and was able to structure her offensives. The game remained balanced, with occasions on both sides, but the score has not evolved until the last minutes. The deliverance finally came to the 80th minute thanks to Olivier Giroud, entered the 66th. Santos delivered a bell center to the second post, perfectly converted by the precise head of Giroud, offering 2-1.
The best French striker in history in the European Cup almost signed the double in the last minutes, on a superb overflow from Correia, but it missed it right away. The final score remains 2-1 for Lille, which pockets three precious points during this first European meeting.
