4 Memorable UCL playoff ties
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In the UEFA Champions League's previous format, Ligue 1 teams that finished third were often placed into the third qualifying round of the playoffs. Ahead of LOSC Lille entering that stage of the competition this evening, we take a look at some of the more memorable ties at this stage of the competition involving Ligue 1 sides.
Licha says goodbye
While they would crash out of the competition at the next stage to a Real Sociedad side led by a young Antoine Griezmann, Olympique Lyonnais' pair of comfortable wins over Swiss side Grasshopper were important as they allowed the club a chance to say goodbye to legendary Argentine striker Lisandro 'Licha' Lopez. Key to Les Gones' run to the semifinals of the competition in 2010, he was the club captain and his class and strike rate were vital for a young team transitioning away from the heights of seven titles in a row.
The beginning of something special...
AS Monaco's 2016/17 season remains one of the most vibrant in recent memory. Under Leonardo Jardim, the veteran goalscoring nous of Radamel Falcao was complemented by the emergence of Kylian Mbappé, Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar. As well as winning the Ligue 1 title that season, they also reached the semifinals of the Champions League, and it all started with a hard-fought tie against Fenerbahce -- Lille's opponent tonight -- with 'El Tigre' scoring in both legs to seal a 4-3 victory over the Turkish side.
Super Mario sparks Nice
Having finished third in the previous season in a memorable three-way title race with rivals AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, OGC Nice were pitted against Ajax Amsterdam. Marcel Keizer's side was an impressive attacking force, but Lucien Favre's side progressed on away goals thanks in part to Mario Balotelli with the Italian helping his team to a one-all draw in the first leg at home before a late goal from youngster Vincent Marcel sealed a two-all draw in the Netherlands.
Heartbreak for AS Monaco
French teams have generally progressed past the third round, but occasionally things are more challenging. AS Monaco were drawn against PSV Eindhoven two years ago, and after a one-all draw at the Stade Louis-II would lose 3-2 away in the second leg. The frustrating result has been ample motivation for the Principality side, though, as plenty of players from that team remain with the team, and have remarked upon using it confirm their place by finishing second last season.
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