Lille LOSC – AS Saint-Étienne: Defensively Solid Saint-Étienne Leads Nervous LOSC To Last Matchday Thriller (0-0)

In their first “match point” towards the Ligue 1 title, Lille found themselves against a greatly organized defense. Facing no big problems against Claude Puel’s buildup ideas, they dominated possession for large parts of the match. However, with the pressure mounting, the hosts proved unable to put the ball in the net despite Galtier’s adjustments.

Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. 

Luck smiled at Lille last week, as not only the match against RC Lens went their way from the beginning, but their title rivals PSG drew against Stade Rennais in an unconvincing performance. The match against Saint-Étienne thus became the first opportunity of winning the title before going to Angers in matchday 38, on a day when nerves and anxiousness will reach their limit.

Wins against European spot contenders Olympique Marseille and Montpellier had guaranteed Saint-Étienne the safety they were searching for in order to avoid finding themselves in the situation other French historical clubs such as Nantes or Girondins de Bordeaux are in. With two matches left, finishing the season on a high note and with two good performances is now the objective.

Lille manager Christophe Galtier made only one change to the first eleven that faced RC Lens, replacing Xeka with Benjamin André. Up front, once again Galtier decided to bench Yusuf Yazici and Jonathan . . .