Incredible scenario at the Vélodrome! Trailing OM, Lille equalized in the final seconds before winning on penalties. A completely crazy match which propels the Northerners into the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. The Marseillais may have great regrets…
What a crazy match this Tuesday evening at the Vélodrome stadium! In a round of 16 of the Coupe de France with twists and turns, Lille managed to eliminate Olympique Marseille on penalties after being behind. The Mastiffs showed incredible strength of character to turn around a bad situation and continue their journey in the competition.
A first period dominated by OM
In front of their home crowd, OM started the match flat out, creating the best opportunities. Roberto De Zerbi’s men even found the fault twice in the first half, through Neal Maupay, but the goals were refused for offside positions. The Marseillais continued to push, forcing Lille goalkeeper Vito Mannone to work on his line, without succeeding in finishing.
Lille opens the score against the run of play
Upon returning from the locker room, the scenario seemed to repeat itself with a goal denied to Lille for a handball. But on their first real opportunity, the Northerners surprised everyone by opening the score:
Thomas Meunier served Jonathan David, who passed to Hakon Haraldsson for the 0-1 goal in the 68th minute.
Against all expectations, the Mastiffs had just taken the advantage in a match that they had generally suffered until then. OM suffered the blow and failed to equalize despite several dangerous situations.
OM snatch the equalizer in the final seconds
Time is ticking and OM is getting closer to elimination at home. But in stoppage time, the Marseillais threw their last strength into the battle. And at the very last second, Luis Henrique finally appeared to equalize and snatch extra time:
With his right shot at the last second, Luis Henrique broke out the noise at the Vélodrome.
Lille wins on penalties after an unbearable suspense
Head to the penalty shootout to decide between the two teams. And the suspense will be total. Neither team trembles until Marseille’s 4th shot on goal:
Lille goalkeeper Vito Mannone repels the attempt by Luis Henrique, the unfortunate hero of OM. It was then Jonathan Rowe who saw his shot stopped. Lille exults, qualified for the 8th!
Lille’s invincibility continues, OM hits rock bottom
Here it is now 20 matches that Lille has not lostall competitions combined. A crazy series which allows the Northerners to see far in the Cup this season. Conversely, OM have not won the competition since 1989 and will have to concentrate on Ligue 1.
Marseille supporters may have great regrets given the appearance of the match. But we will have to quickly raise our heads. OM only has the championship to play this season. Lille, for its part, continues to ride on its exceptional momentum and can dream of a good run in the Coupe de France.
