Lille into Europa League last 16 as Olivier Giroud and Benjamin André shine | OneFootball

Under pressure after the first leg, Lille won 2-0 after extra time at Red Star Belgrade to reach the Europa League last 16. Olivier Giroud, 39, struck early, and captain Benjamin André, 35, led by example. L'Équipe notes that the veteran pair set the tone.

Red Star threatened first, Jay Enem’s second-minute effort gathered by Özer. Two minutes later Giroud met André’s cross with a deft angled header for 1-0. He then forced another save on 40 minutes and released Fernandez-Pardo on 44 minutes.

At the back, Chancel Mbemba relished his duel with Enem, making 11 clearances as Mbemba and Mandi shut the striker down. Dejan Stankovic replaced Enem with Marko Arnautovic at half-time. André dominated in the air and kept Lille’s intensity high.

Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed with his range and reading, repeatedly unsettling 17-year-old Vasilije Kostov. He was booked on 52 minutes for a tactical foul on Arnautovic. Gaëtan Perrin struggled on the right and was replaced by Félix Correia on 71 minutes.

Bruno Genesio kept Giroud on, and in the 99th minute his latest flick launched the break that settled it. Fernandez-Pardo left Rodrigao trailing, Correia squared, and Ngoy finished for 2-0. Giroud later found Correia, who went close on 112 minutes.

Having been withdrawn at the break in the first leg, Hakon Haraldsson was given another chance but again lacked precision despite his work-rate. Rodrigao endured a difficult night for the hosts.

Source: L'Équipe