Lille Beat Lens 1-0 in Derby du Nord as Substitute Giroud Scores Late Winner
Lille beat Lens 1-0 in the Derby du Nord at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Friday night, October 30. Substitute Olivier Giroud scored the only goal in the 86th minute. It was a Ligue 1 Matchday 9 game and the 125th meeting between the two clubs in the Derby du Nord.
Lille had most of the play for the whole match but could not find a way through. They were held up for a long time by an excellent display from Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser. Risser made a superb save from Hakon Haraldsson in the 66th minute. Lens defender Kyllian Antonio also saved his side twice with important blocks, once against Mbappe and once against Giroud.
Lens had one very good chance of their own. It came from a counter-attack, and it was the best opening they had to win the game. Lille survived it and kept pressing.
The deadlock finally broke with four minutes left. Nabil Bentaleb, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, hit a long-range shot. Risser could only push the ball out in front of him. Giroud, who had come on about 15 minutes earlier, was waiting for it. He followed up and finished the rebound with his left foot. He was in the right place at the right time.
The goal ended a poor run for Lille. They had gone four matches without a win in all competitions before this game. It also continued their good record against their neighbours. Lille had won ten of their last 11 home league games against Lens before this match. Lens had won their previous three Ligue 1 games, and that run has now come to an end.
The result moved Lille up to second place in the table, at least for now. They now have 18 points from nine games. That is two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have 20. Rennes, who lost 5-2 at Nice earlier in the night, are on 16 points.
Davide Ancelotti's side will now look to build on this win. Giroud's late goal showed the value of his experience off the bench. It also gave Lille a good start to the weekend in the race to challenge PSG at the top of the table.