Lille secured a 2-0 victory away against Angers to hand Davide Ancelotti a winning start as coach, according to reports from AFP and L’Équipe. The opening match of the French Ligue 1 campaign featured a first-half strike from veteran forward Olivier Giroud and a subsequent goal from defender Tiago Santos.
Davide Ancelotti Era Begins With Win at Angers
As reported by AFP, Lille’s managerial reins were assumed in June by Davide Ancelotti — the offspring of legendary tactician Carlo Ancelotti — succeeding Bruno Genesio after his switch to Marseille.
Olivier Giroud, who turns 40 next month, broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with an excellent low drive from long range after collecting Nabil Bentaleb’s pass, as reported by AFP. Just past the half-hour mark, Tiago Santos volleyed in a loose ball to double the advantage at the end of an excellent Lille move. Though the second half proved more complicated, Lille managed to hold their ground and keep a clean sheet.
Did you know? Olivier Giroud scored his opening goal of the campaign just weeks before his 40th birthday, anchoring an attacking line that helped Lille transition smoothly under new management.
PSG Fight Back to Draw Against Rennes
Next up for Lille is a home fixture against reigning French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who dropped points in a 2-2 draw away to Rennes, according to AFP. Rennes capitalized on a ruthless transition strategy in the first half at Roazhon Park. Sebastian Szymanski opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a low effort from outside the box after a pin-point header from Esteban Lepaul. Lepaul added a second goal seven minutes before halftime, finishing off a break from winger Moussa Al Tamari and a delicate back-heel from the Egypt wideman.
Facing a two-goal deficit at the break, PSG manager Luis Enrique introduced summer signing Ferran Torres for the second half. Torres, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup final, made an immediate impact on his Ligue 1 debut. He cut the deficit in the 26th minute of the half by nutmegging Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba following a pass from his compatriot. With eight minutes remaining, Torres and Ruiz combined again, with the midfielder crossing for the forward to head past Samba and secure a 2-2 draw.
Squad Movements and Upcoming Fixtures
As Lille prepares for the upcoming clash against PSG, squad depth remains a talking point. Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, according to AFP. Although the 18-year-old Moroccan did not feature in the matchday squad against Angers, he said his potential goodbyes to travelling fans after the game.
“We don’t know what will happen,” Giroud told Ligue 1+, as reported by AFP. “If it happens then we will want to celebrate the win for him.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new manager of Lille?
Following Bruno Genesio’s departure to Marseille, Davide Ancelotti — whose father is famed manager Carlo Ancelotti — took charge at Lille this past June.
What was the result of the PSG versus Rennes match?
PSG drew 2-2 with Rennes after overcoming a two-goal halftime deficit, courtesy of a second-half brace from summer signing Ferran Torres.
How old is Olivier Giroud?
Olivier Giroud turns 40 next month and opened the scoring for Lille in their 2-0 win over Angers.
What are your expectations for Davide Ancelotti’s first season at Lille? Share your thoughts in the comments below, explore our latest sports coverage, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.
Worth a look