Lille – Slavia Prague (2-0): Lille took a big step towards qualifying for the Champions League

2024-08-21 00:45:28

LOSC took a big step to the group stage of the Champions League. Facing Slavia Prague, at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes, where they play their home games while waiting to be able to return to their Pierre-Mauroy stadium, which they used during the Olympic Games, Lille took part of the agreement was fulfilled by winning 2-0. Canadian Jonathan David and Kosovar Edon Zhegrova scored the goals in the match which allowed the Mastiffs to travel to the Czech Republic next Thursday with real confidence.

Very pressing and determined from the start-off, Lille bounced back well in their first leg of the C1. If the first opportunity took time to arrive, he could have hit the mark, but Jonathan David’s effort after a good combination with Rémy Cabella did not find the goal (29th). Three minutes later, Edon Zhegrova, in his services, finally collided with Czech goalkeeper Kinsky. David’s salvation is no better (32nd).

Before the break, Mastiffs have a little fear from a stand. Confused by the northern pressure, Slavia Prague players can rely on these small chances to prove dangerous. This was the case in stoppage time but a half-volley from the powerful Tomas Chory flew across the goal that was saved by Lucas Chevalier.

The manuscript of Zhegrova

Yet as dominant as it was, Lille finally found fault at the start of the second half. Unequal during his first two chances, Jonathan David did not lose third while at the end of a stage initiated by Edon Zhegrova (52nd).

Clever but determined, the Kosovar then completely convinced Bruno Genesio by scoring the second goal in an excellent individual performance. At the entrance to the area, he first convinced the defender with a hook before finishing from the left foot (78th). The Czechs did not manage to get back together, despite two goals being cancelled.

“We could have done a little better,” said Benjamin André at Canal +. We have opportunities but we will not be selective. These two buses will count on the return journey. We will have to play our game there and not let them play. The more controls we have, the less risk we will be in. We are halfway there, it will be hot weather there. »

Thanks to this success at home, the Dogs have one foot in the group stage of the new championship, where they can join Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco and Stade Brestois. The return match in Prague will take place next Wednesday.