Without Thomas Meunier (up in the 88th), who paid the price for the change to a 5-3-2, Bruno Genesio’s men looked the reigning European champions directly in the eyes. It is true that it first took two interventions from Lucas Chevalier – against Vinicius Jr. (6th) then in front of Endrick (19th), who became Real’s youngest starter in C1 (18 years and 73 days) – to let the little storm at the start of the match pass. But then, it was LOSC which took the initiative in the debates.
We thus saw the Mastiffs very diligent, but above all in the image of their public who deployed a splendid tifo before the kick-off and above all sang incessantly: immensely involved. In the duels, in the races, in the efforts, the whole team was in tune to push this Real Madrid.
C1: Bruges reassures itself by winning at Sturm Graz, Lille creates a sensation against Real, Bayern falls against two Devils
Special mention for defenders Tiago Santos and Alexsandro, but especially for young defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi who, on his 17th birthday, became the second youngest Frenchman (after Zaire-Emery) to start a Champions League match. And he did it with enormous maturity.
The first warning came from a header from former Gant player Jonathan David (25th), the second from a shot from captain Benjamin André who missed the board (33rd). And it was the third – a free kick caused by Remy Cabella (44th) – which allowed LOSC to obtain a penalty (hand fault by Camavinga from the wall). Andryi Lunin, the replacement for Thibaut Courtois (injured), could do nothing against the sending of David, in confidence after his hat-trick in Le Havre in the championship (45th + 3: 1-0).
Of course, Lille also knew that this Real Madrid is perhaps never as strong as when it is forced to react. Especially knowing that Kylian Mbappé still had to be launched by Carlo Ancelotti. Thing was done on the hour mark. But rather than being afraid, the Mastiffs continued to bark thanks to several counterattacks to increase the doubt in Madrid’s heads.
Lille’s involvement then gave way to dedication and even heroism (like the huge opportunity in the 86th or Chevalier’s save in the 90th) to hold on. And like Jude Bellingham who we saw too little, the Merengues never managed to bring down the enormous northern defense. This is how what was announced by President Olivier Létang as the most “prestigious match in the history of the club” has turned into a historic, legendary success.
MATCH SHEET
Lille: Chevalier ; Bakker (88th Meunier), Gudmundsson, Ribeiro, Diakite, T. Santos ; Bouaddi, André, Cabella (71e Sahraoui) ; David, Zhegrova.
Real: Moon ; Carvajal, Militão (57th Modric), Rüdiger, Mendy (46th Fran Garcia) ; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga (67th Guler), Bellingham ; Vinicius Jr., Endrick (57th Mbappe)
Referee: M. Mariani (Ita)
Avertissements : Endrick, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rüdiger, Modric.
But: 45e+3 David sur pen. (1-0)
