Lille hook Dortmund and keeps all its chances

A LOSC reaction collected a parity score on the Borussia Dortmund lawn this Tuesday evening, in the round of 16 Champions League (1-1).

The unique atmosphere of large European evenings freezes time and eclipses all the photographs of the moment. It was with this state of mind that Lille tackled her first round in Dortmund, in this Iduna Park volcanic signal, in front of this yellow wall which resembles a mountain.

Cledged by Paris Saint-Germain 3 days ago, the team of Bruno Genesio advanced in the unknown, somewhere: what is the true face of this BVB? That of a finalist ogre of the last edition against all odds? Or that of a modest 10th from Bundesliga? The first act delivered a fairly clear answer. Little inspired, the LOSC did not find the resources to respond to its opponent's plan.

The strong choices of Genesio

Genesio's strategy was quite daring, if only in the choice of men, since once again, the LOSC coach did not hesitate to offer an unprecedented eleven for a large European meeting by incorporating the young Ethan Mbappé into the offensive line, with a hybrid role in supporting Haraldsson and the inevitable Jonathan David.

In the first period, the men of Genesio held the ball in good proportions, but they struggled to use it well, wandering in the German camp without changes in rhythm. Quite the opposite of a lower BVB, not breathless, but a little more bleeding. And if the yellow and black had a few spots in the game, it was on a stopped kick that they found the opening. Well placed on a second ball at the entrance to the surface following a corner, Adeyemi triggered half a clear half-volley that came to stay in the knight's sigh (1-0, 22nd).

Lille raised her tone

Lille had to raise the tone after rest, clearly. And the revolt took place. Because although we think of Borussia this season, it took courage, personality and a good dose of tenacity so as not to panic in this hubbub. After having long lacked weight and speed to really weigh, like David, often borrowed and clumsy, but still decisive.

Symbol of this moult, the Canadian ended up adjusting the sights, and his small discount for Haraldsson allowed the Icelandic to adjust Kobel closely (1-1, 68th). A salutary goal that redistributes the cards for the future. Under the impetus of a good coaching, with in particular the entry into play of the stirring Fernandez-Pardo, the Lille attack gradually won in accuracy and confidence. The score has no longer evolved despite some hot situations in the surface of the BVB. The second round promises to be exciting.