Recap: LOSC make it three on the bounce against Toulouse (2-1)
Match Reports
If Wednesday's win against Real Madrid was historic, Les Dogues would build on it further in Ligue 1 today with a comeback win over Toulouse to seal their third win in a row in all competitions. Zakaria Aboukhlal opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, but goals from Angel Gomes and substitute Mitchel Bakker saw the three points come the way of the hosts in the second period.
Les Dogues were eager to build on their midweek momentum, but Toulouse had a clear intention to press high and capitalise on any possible fatigue from their Champions League triumph over Real Madrid in the early periods of the game. The visitors managed to frustrate the hosts early on, preventing the home side from establishing any rhythm in the game.
Toulouse broke the deadlock in a bizarre fashion. The visitors launched a quick transition, and although Chevalier saved Zakaria Aboukhlal’s initial shot, the goal line technology confirmed the ball had crossed the line (39'). Lille looked sluggish throughout the half, perhaps showing the effects of their recent Champions League efforts, and struggled to create any significant changes before the break as Les Violets looked good value for their lead at Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Génésio Changes decisive once more for Les Dogues
After halftime, Bruno Génésio would make two changes, bringing on Tiago Santos and Yassine Bouaddi. The home side showed more intent and began to push Toulouse back. A brilliant combination between Angel Gomes and Ismaël Sahraoui ended with Gomes slotting home a volleyed finish from Sahraoui’s deft lobbed pass (57').
Lille dominated possession from that point, with the likes of Edon Zhegrova and Jonathan David coming close to giving the Dogues the lead. However, Toulouse remained dangerous on the counter, and only a crucial save from Chevalier in the 60th minute denied Toulouse forward Thijs Dallinga.
As the game entered its final stages, Lille kept pushing for a winner. In the 72nd minute, Mitchel Bakker, who had just come on, thought he had scored with a delightful chip, but the goal was ruled offside. Lille kept the pressure on, and their perseverance paid off in the 80th minute. Bakker, again in the spotlight, finished off a loose ball in the box to make it 2-1 after another check from VAR confirmed the goal.
Despite late pressure from Toulouse, including a nervy moment in the 90+7th minute when Chevalier had to make a crucial save, Lille held on for all three points.
THE STAT: Sweet seventeen
Ayyoub Bouaddi (17 years and three days) is the second youngest player to provide an assist in the 21st century since Eduardo Camavinga with Stade Rennais against PSG on 18th August 2019 (16 years-old & 281 days).
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