UCL Recap: Ngal'ayel Mukau Fuels Lille’s Win vs. Bologna

In the first half, Les Dogues recorded six total shots and opened the scoring in the 44th minute thanks to a goal from Ngal'ayel Mukau, the teenager scoring his first professional goal. The Italian side registered four total shots in the first half but couldn't level the scoring as the Ligue 1 side went into halftime holding a 1-0 lead.

Jhon Lucumí leveled the scoring for Bologna as the Colombian scored in the 63rd minute, but the 1-1 scoreline didn't last long. Lille responded with the eventual game-winning goal as Mukau had his brace to hand the French club a 2-1 lead.

Bologna recorded six total shots in the second half, but the Serie A club couldn't find the equalizing goal as Lille secured the win. After the victory, Mukau spoke to Canal+ and shared his thoughts on the memorable night for him.

"It was a great game for us. For me, it was my first time playing in a more advanced position like that. Normally, I’m a defensive midfielder, but the coach wanted to try something different. I’m really happy to score my first two goals.

"I’d never scored before, not even with my previous clubs! Scoring in the Champions League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. For the first goal, I tried with my left foot, the keeper saved it, but it went in off my right (smiles). The second was similar. I’m really happy."

LOSC are currently in 12th place with 10 points in the Champions League standings and are within striking distance of moving into the top eight spots to automatically qualify to the next phase of the competition.

The Stat: Lille's impressive Champions League form

Lille's victory over Bologna marked their sixth win in their last 10 Champions League matches (with one draw and three losses), matching the total number of victories they managed in their previous 41 games in the competition (15 draws and 20 losses).

Another notable takeaway from this match is Mukau making history for Lille. The DR Congo international became the youngest player to score a Champions League brace for Les Dogues at just 20 years and 24 days old.

Photo credit: @losclive

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