After defeating José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the previous round, Bruno Genesio’s LOSC challenged Slavia Prague in the Champions League play-off. A very precious encounter. The kind of turning point not to be missed in the heart of summer as it can condition the rest of the season, as Olympique de Marseille demonstrated a year ago.
The fact remains that even if Slavia did not have names as big as Fener, the Czech club also had the assets to offer a tough opposition to Lille. This play-off had the appearance of a trap match par excellence, especially since Bruno Genesio had to deal with many absences. But Lille found the resources to impose its game and take an option for qualification at the end of this first round.
Lille hardly shook
After a first period largely to their advantage, the Dogues found the opening at the start of the second act thanks to the inevitable Jonathan David.
While its future fuels debatesthe Canadian striker put his team on the right track with a perfect half-volley (1-0, 52nd). A goal that did not alter the plans of the northern club. Willing and diligent, Bruno Genesio’s men gave themselves a scare on a goal from the visitors that was ultimately disallowed, but they especially managed to make the break before the last quarter of an hour when David put on his costume of last passer to Zhegrova, before the disconcerting winger got the better of his bodyguard to adjust Kinsky (2-0, 72nd). A job well done.
Everything will now be decided a few thousand kilometers away, in a week, but this LOSC team has once again shown all its virtues to get a little closer to the prestigious Champions League.
