LOSC claim confident win in Nantes to climb back toward Europe

LOSC Lille earned a composed 2-0 win away to FC Nantes on Sunday night, keeping Bruno Genesio’s side firmly in the mix for the European places after an assertive performance at Stade de la Beaujoire.

The Dogues set the tone early as Hákon Haraldsson opened the scoring inside ten minutes, capitalising on a high press that caught the hosts out at the back. A misplaced pass from the Nantes defence allowed Tiago Correia to win possession and combine neatly with Olivier Giroud, whose clever lay-off found Haraldsson. The Icelandic midfielder made no mistake with a calm finish past Anthony Lopes.

Lille controlled much of the first half, with Haraldsson and Giroud at the heart of the visitors’ attacking play, while Nantes struggled to settle. The home side’s best moments came through Matthis Abline, who twice struck the crossbar before the break – first after a loose back-pass from Tanguy Tati and again with an acrobatic volley that had Özer beaten but not beaten by the woodwork.

Igamane seals the win

Despite those close calls, the second half continued much like the first, with Lille managing the tempo and pressing intelligently. Genesio’s men remained patient and were rewarded late on when Zakaria Igamane sealed the win in the 89th minute. The Moroccan forward, on for Giroud, drove at the Nantes defence, benefited from a fortunate rebound, and finished coolly past Lopes to secure all three points.

Nantes, meanwhile, could not turn spirit into substance despite flashes of intent and the noisy backing of the Brigade Loire, celebrating its 40th anniversary with fireworks outside the ground. Luis Castro’s team remains with just one victory this season and continues to hover near the relegation zone.

Lille’s victory, meanwhile, consolidates their European ambitions, with the Dogues moving up to fifth in the Ligue 1 McDonald's standings.

THE STAT: shoot on sight

Lille OSC have now attempted 24 shots in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Ligue 1 McDonald's this season.

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