Lille temper Champions League talk after 3-0 derby win over Lens | OneFootball

Lille thrashed Lens 3-0 in a charged derby, yet players and staff are damping down talk of a Champions League push.

According to L'Équipe, jubilant scenes at Pierre-Mauroy even saw Bruno Genesio beckoned to join the celebrations. Recent wins over Rennes 2-1 and Marseille 2-1 preceded this statement victory, and not even the international break checked their momentum.

The run forms part of eight matches unbeaten. The result lifted Lille to third on Saturday night, pending Lyon at Angers and Marseille at Monaco on Sunday, a position they had not occupied since matchday three.

Aïssa Mandi urged calm after criticism in January and February, while savouring the occasion. He felt nights like a 3-0 derby win are rare and should be enjoyed without losing focus.

Genesio struck a similar note, calling a Champions League target a potential trap. He stressed humility, keeping a cool head and remembering where the team came from, adding that the aim remains qualification for Europe.

Even so, a top-four finish now looks attainable despite fierce competition. Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 21, said the objective is clear and that a winning run can lift them high. Six matches remain, with a potentially spicy trip to Monaco in the penultimate round.

Source: L'Équipe