UEL: Giroud delivers as Lille edge Brann

LOSC Lille launched their UEFA Europa League group stage with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norwegian side SK Brann on Thursday night, thanks to a decisive header from the eternal Olivier Giroud.

Bruno Genesio’s men were made to work for their first three points. After a frustrating first half in which Brann struck the post and looked the more composed of the two sides, Lille finally broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. A rapid counter-attack saw Matias Fernandez-Pardo burst down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Hamza Igamane slid in to give the hosts the lead on 54 minutes.

Lille pegged back

Their advantage, however, lasted just five minutes. Brann punished a misplaced pass from Hákon Haraldsson, with Magnus Holm teeing up Sigurd Magnússon to finish low beyond Berke Özer and bring the visitors level. The equaliser spurred the Norwegians on, and they came within inches of a shock lead when Kornvig’s thunderous effort rattled the crossbar.

Lille turned to their experienced bench, introducing Giroud and Félix Correia to shift the momentum. The changes paid off in the 80th minute. Full-back Tiago Santos whipped in a looping cross from the right, and Giroud – as he has done so many times throughout his career – rose highest to power a header into the far corner and seal the win.

The 38-year-old striker even had a chance to double his tally minutes later but missed the target from close range. Brann threw men forward in the closing stages but were denied by a pair of crucial saves from Özer, as Lille held on to secure a vital opening-night victory.

THE PLAYER: Olivier Giroud 

Introduced just after the hour mark, the veteran striker transformed Lille’s attacking play. Beyond his winning goal, Giroud’s presence gave the Dogues a focal point up front, allowing midfielders Fernandez-Pardo and Bentaleb to play higher and stretch Brann’s defensive block. 

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