Matias Fernandez-Pardo decisive again as LOSC beat Paris FC 1-0 | OneFootball

Matias Fernandez-Pardo struck the winner for LOSC on Sunday, underscoring renewed conviction in front of goal and a growing ease within the Lille squad that could prove pivotal in the top-three race.

According to L'Équipe, the 21-year-old converted a 26th-minute penalty at Jean-Bouin to beat Paris FC 1-0, his fifth goal in his last seven matches.

He then teed up a major chance in the 54th minute, his cross for Hakon Haraldsson diverted at the last moment by Moustapha Mbow, before clipping the post in the 67th minute.

After only three goals in 18 Ligue 1 outings between August and March, he has in a little over a month matched last season’s league tally, which took 22 appearances. The surge coincides with his move to centre forward since the 1 March win over Nantes, alongside clear mental progress.

Bruno Genesio said the staff and some team-mates had been tough with him at times, arguing that a player with such potential must be held to higher standards. The Lille coach added that he now seems happy and has improved his attitude.

Thomas Meunier felt the forward has taken a step after shifting roles earlier in the season, praising his pace, support play, movement in behind and dribbling, and urging him to recognise how rare that skill set is. He added that beyond the penalty and the near miss, Fernandez-Pardo helped keep the ball and involve others, with five assists this season highlighting an altruistic number 9.

Source: L'Équipe