Lille 1-0 Real Madrid (2 Oct, 2024) Game Analysis - ESPN (UK)
Last revised: October 2, 2024, at 11:08 PM
In a surprising turn of events, Lille secured a 1-0 win against reigning champions Real Madrid during the Champions League group stage on Wednesday, thanks to a penalty awarded in the first half. This result put an end to Real Madrid's impressive streak of 14 straight games without a loss in the tournament, a title the team has won 15 times.
Jonathan David scored a penalty just three minutes into stoppage time of the first half, giving Real their first loss since January, ending their impressive 36-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
As a result, Lille from Ligue 1 now has three points after playing two matches in the new format of Europe's top club tournament.
Madrid, after claiming victory in their first game against VfB Stuttgart, also has three points.
"When it comes to penalties, I concentrate and stay calm to make a solid shot, and I feel sure about my ability to take them," David mentioned. "It hasn't fully hit me yet, but it's an unforgettable evening."
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin expressed that his team was missing their typical intensity.
"It's challenging to evaluate the situation immediately afterward. We were missing our usual intensity and creativity, which is typically our strong suit," he explained.
Image credit: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
"We need to put in a little more effort. In the second half, we demonstrated greater determination, but it’s clear we didn’t perform well in the first half. We’re eager to win because we understand the significance of the team colors we represent. However, that's alright. Let’s stay brave, continue to put in the work, and get ready for the next match."
Carlo Ancelotti's team began the match with Kylian Mbappé, who transferred from Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain in June, sitting on the sidelines due to a muscle injury he suffered last week.
Vinícius Júnior from Madrid created the first opportunity with a low shot in the sixth minute, while the visitors managed to dictate the tempo of the game. The second opportunity came when Endrick's shot from close range was stopped by Lucas Chevalier.
Lille nearly took the lead after 26 minutes when Andriy Lunin pulled off an impressive double save. He first stopped a header from David and then managed to deflect the Canadian's subsequent shot away.
Their constant push finally bore fruit during stoppage time when Eduardo Camavinga was called for a handball after Edon Zhegrova took a free kick.
After a VAR review took place, David stepped up and successfully scored the penalty that followed.
In the second half, the home team kept up the intensity, opting not to defend passively while Madrid controlled the ball. Instead, they worked to limit opportunities for England's midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Ancelotti brought on Mbappé and Luka Modric to take the places of Endrick and Éder Militão, and Lille managed to withstand a late attack from Real Madrid to secure the win.
