Lille's Comeback Win Over Lens: Bentaleb's Stoppage-Time Winner Seals Season's First Win
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, Lille secured their first league victory of the season with a dramatic stoppage-time winner from substitute Moussa Bentaleb. The match was marked by intense competition and close scoring, but it was Bentaleb's last-minute strike that sealed Lille's triumph over Lens.
The game started with both teams displaying impressive attacking prowess. Lille dominated possession early on, creating several opportunities to break through Lens' defense. However, Lens managed to hold onto their lead until the final whistle.
As the clock ticked down towards halftime, Lille began to find more space in the opposition's half. They pressed harder and eventually broke through Lens' midfield. In a tight race for the ball, Lille's forward striker found himself one-on-one with Lens goalkeeper Guillaume Vallet. Despite his best efforts, Vallet couldn't prevent the shot from finding its way into the net.
Lens were left scrambling to regain control after this goal. They tried to regroup and counterattack, but Lille's defensive unit held firm. As the second half wore on, Lens continued to press aggressively, hoping to find another equalizer.
Just as it seemed like Lens might get their second chance, Lille made a remarkable comeback. Substitute Moussa Bentaleb stepped up to the plate and scored what proved to be the winning goal. Bentaleb had been waiting patiently for his moment, and when he finally got the opportunity, he delivered a powerful header that deflected off Lens defender Nicolas Kambouche and rolled into the back of the net.
The win was a huge morale boost for Lille, who had been struggling to find consistency throughout the season. This victory not only ended their losing streak but also gave them hope for the rest of the campaign. It's a testament to the resilience and determination of the Lille squad, who will now look forward to continuing their pursuit of glory in the French top flight.
Bentaleb's stoppage-time goal was just the latest example of the club's ability to come from behind and emerge victorious. The manager, Clément Guerreiro, praised his team's hard work and commitment to each other. "We showed great character tonight," he said. "Our players worked tirelessly, and we're grateful for their effort."
With this win, Lille has taken an important step towards securing their place in the top four of the French league table. They will continue to face tough challenges ahead, but they have shown that they can bounce back from adversity and earn a valuable point against a formidable opponent like Lens.