RC Lens – Lille LOSC: Lille Wins Derby Du Nord And Takes Huge Step Towards Ligue 1 Title (0-3)

A very early goal by the guests changed any game plans made by RC Lens. Having to dominate possession for long periods against Galtier’s well-oiled defensive machine was not an easy task. A Burak Yilmaz masterpiece and a clumsy red card for Clément Michelin then forced the hosts right into a heavy defeat.

Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. 

Despite an overall good defensive performance and some chances created, RC Lens lost against PSG, in the French capital, a week prior to facing their historical adversary Lille OSC. With the danger of Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais stealing them the fifth place that leads to next year’s Europa League, a win was the only option.

Lille made the short trip to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis full of confidence after consecutive wins against Olympique Lyonnais and OGC Nice. With PSG facing the improved Stade Rennais and a win against their historical rivals, the start of next week may find Galtier’s men with one hand on the Ligue 1 trophy.

Lens manager Franck Haise continued with his usual 5-3-2 formation, changing only three players in his first eleven in comparison to the PSG match. The goalkeeper Jean-Luis Leca returned under the posts as Steven Fortès replaced Franco Medina in the center-back trio and Gaël Kakuta was back as a starter, leaving Arnaud Muinga on the bench.

Christophe Galtier on the other hand saw his 4-4-2 formation interpreted by . . .