How long it was. Lille scratched a precious point against a dangerous Turin team. After Jonathan David opened the scoring in the 27th minute, the Mastiffs had great difficulty containing Juve. Thiago Motta's men logically equalized on the hour mark from the penalty spot by their star attack Dusan Vlahovic. Unbearable final minutes, but the Lille supporters were able to breathe a big sigh of relief at the final whistle.
David-Zhegrova, duo factor X
This meeting starts timidly. At the head of a squad decimated by absentees, with notably nine injured players, Bruno Genesio lines up a typical composition made up of the best elements available. A starting eleven which lets Juve come in the first twenty minutes. The Italians even thought about taking the lead in the 24th minute, but Koopmeiners' goal was refused for an offside position at the origin of the action. And it is the Lille team, carried by their magical duo David-Zhegrova, who will set the Pierre-Mauroy stadium on fire which was just asking for that.
Edon Zhegrova eliminates a Bianconeri on the right side before cutting into the axis. With a bright cross pass, the Kosovar serves Jonathan David who goes on goal after an excellent call. In the penalty area, he deceives Michele Di Gregorio with a flat right foot! For his 13th goal of the season, the Lille center forward adds a little more to the LOSC legend by tying Jean Baratte for second place among the top scorers in the club's history (97 goals). The red and white X factors are out and that's good for Lille.
The visitors seem stung and respond. Lucas Chevalier pulls off a Dantesque parade to repel Vlahovic's attempt which was flying into the top corner. Then 41st minute, new goal but new offside for the Black and White, who must not be given too many chances otherwise they will be surprised. Fortunately, at the break, it was Bafodé Diakité's teammates who led but Juve was there, in ambush.
Lille players too short physically
The fears seen at the end of the first period were confirmed in the second. The Mastiffs don't see the ball the most and the Old Lady appears more and more threatening in front of Lucas Chevalier's cage. On a breakthrough ball into the area, Francisco Conceiçao is stopped in his path by the leg of Benjamin André. Penalty for Turin. Vlahovic takes care of it and takes the Lille goalkeeper on the wrong foot. The Bianconeris are back on track at the hour mark.
The Lille residents are showing signs of fatigue. Bruno Genesio then strengthens his midfield with the entry of Ngal'ayel Mukau to replace Angel Gomes. Benjamin André then places himself as sentry in front of the defense. LOSC does not regain control of the match, but limits the damage. In the stands, you can't take your eyes off the clock to see the seconds ticking away. Palpable tension as Lille, unable to offer anything offensively, seems physically burnt out like Osame Sahraoui and Alexsandro who are complaining of physical problems.
The people of Turin will ultimately not find the fault in this white and red bloc which has once again shown solidarity.
No achievement then, but a very good point taken against another big name in this Champions League. With 7 points on the clock, LOSC is well in the race for qualification in the final phase and remains undefeated for the eighth consecutive meeting in all competitions.
Travel to Nice on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The week is not over. Difficult to predict the group that will be traveling on Sunday, 3 p.m., for the trip to Nice as the bodies are suffering. Behind, there is the international break. A real moment to take a breather for some while others will play new matches in the selection. But the health of the players does not seem to be the priority of the highest football authorities.
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