Lucas Chevalier: "Real Madrid win greatest in Lille's history."
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Lille's goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier shone during his team's stunning victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The match, held on October 2, 2024, saw Lille triumph 1-0 against the legendary Spanish side, marking a historic moment for the club.
An Unforgettable Experience
Following the match, Chevalier reflected on the significance of this win, stating, "Is this a match you'll remember for your entire career? It certainly will be for everyone. In twenty years, when I retire, I can say that I beat Real Madrid at home. That doesn’t happen every day." He emphasized the collective effort of the team, noting, "Everyone was enormous. Everyone has a part to play in this victory. I want to say it's historic."
Lille’s Tactical Brilliance
Chevalier highlighted the importance of details in such high-stakes matches, mentioning that Lille managed to maintain control despite a late surge from Real Madrid. "We know that Real isn’t just a possession team; they excel in transitions," he explained. "In the end, we had a few nervous moments." The goalkeeper acknowledged the challenges of the match, stating, “I have a personal pride in having thwarted some of the best players in the world.”
Emotional Highs and Tactical Awareness
When asked if this was his most emotional moment as a professional, Chevalier laughed and said, "It remains a group stage victory. I hope to experience such emotions again. It ranks among the top three." He recounted the crucial saves he made in the closing minutes, attributing some of his success to luck and the support of his teammates. "It's not always explainable. I try to do my job, and it worked out."
Chevalier praised the performance of young teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi, who shone on his 17th birthday. "Tactically, I think about him; he was incredible. It’s a memory he’ll carry with him," he said.
Facing the Giants
Expressing the mentality of the team, Chevalier noted, "As the president said, we weren't there to take photos with them. We wanted to compete, and the fans wanted that too. The spectators left with stars in their eyes." He remarked that this victory could alter how opponents view Lille moving forward. "We won't talk about qualification yet. This competition demands such performances every two weeks."
A Connection with the Fans
Chevalier conveyed the joy of celebrating the victory with the fans, stating, "This might be the greatest victory in the club's history. Everyone should appreciate what they experienced—what we achieved both on and off the pitch. We had to share this moment with them after the game."
As Lille prepares for their next challenges, the young goalkeeper's outstanding performance against one of football's giants will certainly be remembered as a landmark moment for the club and its supporters.
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