Lille (AFP)

Lille, swept by Valencia Tuesday (4-1), was eliminated from the race for the 8th finals of the Champions League: a brutal, but logical, for this young team that discovers in pain the highest level.

. Painful learning

Like Monaco in the last two years, the Losc will finish last of its group, except unlikely situation turnaround: two clubs who have paid dearly to see their development model focused on young talent short of breath at the altitude of the C1.

"Our limit is the experience," said coach Christophe Galtier.

Errors in defense, individual failures, inability to capitalize on a strong time ... The second period in Spain was an example of what not to do for these green Lille.

Since his nightmarish entry into Amsterdam (3-0), the Losc was warned. But the bad story is repeated, embellished by blows of fate against him, between the car accident Monday Jonathan Ikoné who made the young blue unavailable in Mestalla, and a penalty for Valencia deemed severe.

The evening was particularly tough for the side Domagoj Bradaric (19) and Zeki Celik (22), who suffered too much. "Celik was playing in Turkish second division 18 months ago," said his coach. "These matches should serve the whole team, its future, to continue learning, learning ..."

. Progress, but ...

However, since the Netherlands, the Losc has retained his lessons, to the point of hoping, after a convincing first hour, to pocket his first success in Valencia. After the draw with hopes of the go (1-1) against the Spanish, Lille gradually incorporates the requirements of the Champions League.

"On pace, intensity, we have progressed on the four matches, but on the fact of concretizing our favorable actions, not enough," said Galtier.

The coach will be delighted with the goal of Victor Osimhen, who has again raised the odds of one of the most promising strikers of the competition. Or slaughter in the middle of Boubacary Soumaré. Two players who are only 20 years old!

. Mission: save the honor

With a point, Lille must hope for a miracle to reach the third place that would return to the Europa League. Specifically: an unlikely scenario that would see them win two victories against Ajax and Chelsea, two opponents who will fight until the last day to play the 8th, which includes two successes of Valencia at the same time.

"You have to be lucid", acquiesced middle Benjamin André. "We will try to show a beautiful face, to do the maximum and especially to win this game at home that would be representative of our desire to do well."

"These meetings should allow us to gain experience, to improve in many areas.If we could end up a very positive match against Ajax, in front of our audience, it would be good," said Galtier.

If Lille dreams of winning its first Champions League match since 2012, it can above all continue to prepare for its future. Fifth in Ligue 1 at two points from Angers, the Dogues are well launched to aim for a new qualification for the C1. This one will necessarily pass by good performances outside, where they have not won since the end of March. A mission more adapted to the young Northers.

© 2019 AFP