Ligue 1 is responsible for the most exciting title race this season, with all of the top four clubs within touching distance of each other. Lille, however, took a major step towards the title last night with a comeback win over Lyon. They lead the league at the moment.
Veteran striker Burak Yilmaz was the hero for Lille, as they fought back from two goals down to beat title rivals Lyon, 3-2. Les Dogues fell behind to two early goals before the Turkish striker netted a brace on either side of a Jonathan David strike. They leapfrogged Paris Saint Germain into the top spot after the Parisians had claimed it earlier with a win over Metz.
Former Leicester City and Monaco striker Islam Slimani gave Lyon the lead in the 20th minute of this crucial match. Fifteen minutes later, Lyon were two goals up after Lille defender Jose Fonte diverted the ball into his net. Lille, however, fought back and halved the deficit in the stoppage time of the first half. Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz – who has been in sensational form this season for the club – scored a stunning freekick for his side.
Yilmaz then turned provider, as he pounced on a mistake by Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta before squaring the ball for David inside the box. The Canadian forward had the easiest of finishes, and Lille were back level. Former Lille midfielder Thiago Mendes came close to restoring Lyon’s lead as he tested Mike Maignan from a distance. However, the French goalkeeper was equal to his effort.
Les Dogues scored what could be the most crucial goal of the Ligue 1 season in the 85th minute. Yusuf Yazici flicked the ball towards countryman Yilmaz, who raced on towards the Lyon goal before dinking the ball past an onrushing Anthony Lopes. The comeback was complete, and Lille held on to win the match 3-2.
Thanks to their win over Lyon, Lille leapfrogged PSG into the first position. The Parisians had beaten Metz in their early fixture to jump to the top spot, albeit only for a few hours. With four games to go in the season, the top three teams – Lille, PSG, and Monaco – are separated by just two points. Lyon have fallen behind in their quest to win the league title and are currently fourth with 67 points.
