PLAYER RATINGS | Lille 2-1 Fenerbahçe: Super sub Edon Zhegrova hands Les Dogues first-leg advantage | OneFootball

Lille were hoping to become the first Ligue 1 team to qualify for the Champions League through the qualifying rounds since 2016 as they welcomed Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe to the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Monaco were the last team to qualify for UEFA’s premier competition through the qualifying rounds as they beat Villarreal. Four teams have tried and failed since Les Monégasques.

Angel Gomes had the first real opportunity of the night as the ball fell to him on the edge of the area but his low-driven effort was saved well by Livakovic. Chances came in quick succession for Les Dogues as Tiago Santos gave them the lead. The Portuguese wide player did brilliantly to beat a player before taking the ball to the byline and trying to squeeze a shot home. His effort was helped home via a deflection from Oosterwolde – a moment that, Livakovic, the Fenerbahçe keeper won’t want to see again.

Edin Dzeko had a chance to level the match but he couldn’t direct his effort on target. This was the Turkish club’s first meaningful chance of the game in the 32nd minute. The visitors grew into the game but it was still Lille with the better chances. David saw the ball bounce through the six-yard box and into his path following a corner but he was unable to turn the ball home in what was a great chance for the Canadian.

Saint-Maximin almost levelled the game after the break but Chevalier was equal to his low shot and saved it well with his feet. Diakité had a good chance to double Lille’s lead from a set piece but he directed his header narrowly wide. In the 63rd minute, Haraldsson almost headed home with a diving header but Livakovic was able to keep it out.

Kahveci soon levelled the game with a great free kick for Mourinho’s team. Lille’s dominance from the first half had dissipated. A second-half substitute – Zhegrova was the saviour for Les Dogues as he won the first leg for the Ligue 1 club as his shot deflected beyond Livakovic.

Lille player ratings:

Lucas Chevalier – 6

Thomas Meunier – 6

Bafodé Diakité – 6

Alexsandro – 6

Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6

Benjamin André – 6

Angel Gomes – 7

Remy Cabella – 6

Hákon Haraldsson – 6

Tiago Santos – 7, Playing a hybrid role as a right winger and right wing-back, the Portuguese defender showed great ability to be effective in the final third with the game’s opening goal. In addition to his well-taken goal, Santos was largely involved in attacking moves and did a great job of keeping Saint-Maximin quiet.

Jonathan David – 6, The Canadian international was largely involved during the match and linked up well with supporting players around him at times but he will be disappointed with the threat he posed in front of goal. With his one big chance, he failed to test Livakovic.

GFFN | Liam Wraith