Lille terrace at home to the invincible Real Madrid – Libération

Diligent, solid, the Mastiffs overthrew one of the favorites of the premier competition this Wednesday, October 3 (1-0) at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, during the second day of the Champions League. The Madrilenians had not suffered defeat for 36 matches.

“In twenty years, when I end my career, I will be able to say that I beat Real at home.” Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier could smile well on Wednesday evening on the Pierre-Mauroy pitch. His partners achieved the feat of beating Real Madrid, undefeated in their 36 previous matches, what’s more in their favorite competition, which they have won fifteen times. Knight, always looking happy: “It’s not a robbery tonight. Everyone was huge. I think it’s perhaps the best victory in the club’s history. Everyone must measure the luck of what they are experiencing.”

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq, the fifteen trophies of the most prestigious European competition between clubs, including that of last season, which adorn Real’s immense prize list, did not in fact weigh so heavily against Losc, concentrated in end to end to write one of the greatest lines of its history. Neither Vinicius, or Jude Bellingham, to name a few, managed to reverse the result of a match which was decided just before half-time, with a penalty from Jonathan David (45th + 3). Neither did the entry into play in the 58th minute of Kylian Mbappé. Recovering at full speed from discomfort in his left thigh in order to set foot on a French lawn with the White House jersey for the first time since his departure from PSG, the captain of the France team was booed by a large part of the Lille public.

At kick-off, Carlo Ancelotti preferred Endrick, who, at 18 years and 73 days, became the youngest player to wear the Madrid jersey in this competition according to statistician Opta. But even coach Ancelotti, one of the greatest master strategists in world football, seemed short of solutions. He won’t escape criticism over the logjam of offensive stars unable to combine properly up front.

“Pep” Genesio’s plan

Opposite, Bruno Genesio succeeded in his bet by starting five professional defenders for a composition that appears prudent, but in reality is daring. Lille moved as a team, forming a generally compact block to reduce spaces. In addition to the plan, some players raised their level to the height of the event, such as central defender Alexsandro, winger Edon Zhegrova, captain Benjamin André. In the midfield, young Ayyoub Bouaddi celebrated his 17th birthday with a performance full of maturity, despite a few slags.

The northern club built their victory at the end of the first period, when they obtained a penalty thanks to a handball from Eduardo Camavinga following a free kick from Zhegrova. Scorer Jonathan David converted it with composure and precision to put his partners on the path to a great moment.

The prospect of seeing the Merengue club turn the match around, as it did so much in recent years as it wrote the history of European football, gained momentum in the second half. But Lucas Chevalier was there to reassure the whole North: after a miracle from Tiago Santos, who saved a ball on his line (86th), the goalkeeper made several great saves (87th, 90th) until the deliverance. After losing in Lisbon against Sporting (2-0) on the first day, Losc launched onto the European scene. In style, at the end of a memorable evening.