LOSC won a decisive sporting challenge in the North on Friday against Lens (2-1). Thanks to the talent and double of Edon Zhegrova, the Mastiffs achieved a great operation against a direct competitor for the Champions League places.
No offense to the Classic between OM and PSG, we had to turn to the Pierre-Mauroy stadium to witness the real high-stakes clash of the weekend. Faller of Lens (2-1), Lille struck a big blow and put a little distance with a direct competitor for the Champions League places, seven days from the end.
>> Relive LOSC’s victory during the derby with live commentary
Less hot than expected in the stands, the 118th Northern derby was much hotter on the pitch, where there were numerous clashes. The fire was also in the legs of Edon Zhegrova, particularly inspired on a Friday evening for regional supremacy.
With delicious control, the former FC Basel winger took the ball before finishing with a ground strike which surprised Brice Samba at his near post (1-0, 9th). Technical leader in the absence of Angel Gomes, Edon Zhegrova was responsible for all of Lille’s good moves and all of Lens’ mistakes.
Zhegrova puts her name on the derby
In their impregnable fortress – only one defeat at Pierre-Mauroy since… August 31, 2022 – the Mastiffs were much more interesting. Explosive, Tiago Santos caused problems in his right lane, where his association with Zhegrova worked. Medina suffered and was almost expelled (34th). Samba repelled Gabriel Gudmundsson’s first attempt but could do nothing on Kosovar’s double against the empty cage (2-0, 60th). His 4th and 5th goals of the season, his first in the derby.
The Sang et Or, late or imprecise, have long had all the trouble in the world to threaten. Wesley Saïd, preferred to Elye Wahi up front, did not seize his chance. His replacement quickly scored after his entry (2-1, 78th) and revived the suspense a little at the end of the match.
Paulo Fonseca’s players held on to put four points between themselves and their rivals (6th), who suffered a second defeat. They took the opportunity to eject Monaco from the podium and assert their high ambitions in the final sprint.