LOSC Lille – Lens: Lille Overpower Lens in Derby Du Nord (4-0)

Early high pressure from Lens proved fruitless, as Lille’s buildup quickly adjusted and was able to expose gaping holes through midfield, while flooding the visitor’s backline with a kaleidoscope of attacking movement. Lille would go on to deliver a victory that moved them to the top of the table and set them up as Paris Saint-Germain’s most likely challengers this season.
Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell

It was not all smooth sailing for Lille to start the season, but a robust 3-0 victory over Strasbourg, prior to the international break, provided a glimpse of what Galtier’s side can achieve at their best. The starting eleven saw several new additions over the summer and a convincing win was enough to suggest that they have effectively bedded in.

If nothing else, it was reason enough for Galtier to stick with the same starting lineup and preferred 4-2-2-2 formation. Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz were, once again, given the starts up top – supported by wingers, Jonathan Bamba and Luis Araújo. In midfield, the energetic Benjamin André played alongside Renato Sanches, while José Fonte and Sven Botman drew in at center-back. 

Lens’s return to the top-flight has provided Ligue 1 with a breath of fresh air. Manager Franck Haise’s side collected four wins from their first six matches – including a dramatic victory over Paris Saint-Germain. 

Lens adopted their usual 3-4-1-2 shape for their encounter with Lille, but were forced into several changes through injury and suspension. The most notable absentees were striker, Ignatius Ganago, who has started the season with four goals, and 21-year-old center-back . . .

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