Solid defensively but sometimes too timid offensively, LOSC had to lose against a formidable Liverpool (2-1) in an intense confrontation on the Anfield pitch. Discover our tops and flops after this meeting counting for the 7th day of the Champions League.
The best
The defensive LOSC, but the realistic LOSC
Faced with a Liverpool team full of defensive confidence, the task did not look easy offensively for Lille, especially with the absence of Edon Zhegrova. Muzzled in the first half with only one shot off target, the Northerners only took three more shots in the second half, only one of which was on target. However, nothing more is needed for the Mastiffs, who provisionally equalize in the 62nd minute through their star scorer Jonathan David. Impressive realism which has continued to be mentioned in our “tops” since the start of the season.
The flops
A shyness that is lacking at LOSC
Traveling to Anfield to face Liverpool is certainly not a simple affair and should not leave room for potential regrets. However, as Lucas Chevalier mentioned on Canal+ after the match, LOSC sometimes seemed to have “too much respect” for the English during the offensive phases, surely fearing counter-attacks from the Reds. Thus, the offensive projections of midfielders and full-backs will have been limited throughout the evening, favoring a certain defensive stability. What we could call timidity is not trivial in the face of such a European team, but it did not appear against Real Madrid, Juventus Turin or even Atlético de Madrid.
Disappointing corridors
Despite his assist, Gabriel Gudmundsson often found himself in difficulty against a Mohamed Salah of great evenings. A left lane in pain, therefore, which also results in the missed match of Rémy Cabella, too often affected and sometimes limited defensively. Concerning the right side, Aïssa Mandi missed his match, the fault of excessive aggressiveness which led to his expulsion after a foul on Luis Diaz in the 59th minute. In front of him, Mitchel Bakker was forced to help his teammate defensively throughout the match, completely annihilating his offensive projections. A match therefore generally missed for the Lille players, overwhelmed by the sparkling pressing of the Reds.
-Thomas ASSIOUI
Photo credits: Carl Recine/Getty Images
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