Certainly Losc’s victory at home (1-0) on Friday evening changes nothing in the standings. Lille is still fourth and the loser of the evening, Olympique de Marseille, one rank above. But this success allows the northern club, with 29 points, as many as OM, to close the gap which separated it from one of its opponents in the race for European tickets.
It also marks the realization of one of the dearest wishes of his trainer Bruno Genesio: finally to achieve a series of victories. In this case four in a row after those against Paris FC (4-2), Dinamo Zagreb (4-0) in the Europa League and Le Havre (1-0) last weekend.
Conversely, it is a setback for the Marseille club, already slowed down in Toulouse (2-2) last week, which gives Lens (1st) and Paris (2nd) the possibility of creating a gap during the rest of this 15th day.
Mbappé asserts himself
This match, generally dull, was finally decided during the first clear opportunity, when Ethan Mbappé, launched in depth by Nabil Bentaleb, took advantage of an uninspired exit from Géronimo Rulli to open the scoring (10th).
Surprised at kick-off, Kylian Mbappé’s little brother confirmed his ability to be decisive with few opportunities. If he was more discreet afterwards, he also showed a nice burst of speed by overtaking Nayef Aguerd (45th + 1). It is now up to him to no longer let injuries hinder his rise to the highest level.
In the wake of the opening score, the Northerners dominated the debates, obtaining another opportunity through Romain Perraud (13th). Then Marseille increased their intensity in midfield, considerably hampering the construction of the opposing game, without however creating any scoring opportunities.
Harmless Marseille
In the first half, Roberto De Zerbi’s players had to wait until the 45th minute to attempt their first strike by Emerson after an overflow from Timothy Weah.
It was not better until the last quarter of an hour, where the Marseillais had two chances to equalize, but Berke Özer first made a superb save to stop a fantastic ride from Mason Greenwood (76th), then another to deflect a shot from Geoffrey Kondogbia (78th).
OM missed their chance, weighed down by a disappointing performance from Igor Paixao, and it was then Lille who had opportunities to drive the point home, without succeeding. No matter, Lille got what they wanted.