Villeneuve-d'Ascq (AFP)
Lille ended its preparation badly by conceding a fourth defeat in six friendlies, the third in a row, Sunday against Brest (2-1) at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium.
Already defeated by Bruges (2-0), Mouscron (1-0) and Alkmaar (2-1), the Northerners conceded a new setback just six days before their debut in Ligue 1, Saturday on their lawn against Rennes ( 9 p.m.).
"We have a preparation where the results were not extraordinary, far from it. We have a slight delay compared to the two previous seasons and will have to fill it quickly with hard work," said Lille coach Christophe Galtier .
Dominant but clumsy, the Losc was surprised by an attractive team from Brest, which was able to resist the pressure from the North to deliver the blow at the right time. Haris Belkebla and Cristian Battochio from a free kick gave the victory to the Bretons, while Jonathan David had equalized for Lille.
The Canadian striker, recruited Tuesday for the trifle of 27 million euros, a new record for Losc, was still the satisfaction of the side Lille. Speed, power, vision of the game: the former La Gantoise player has already shown some of his talent for his first minutes in the Mastiffs jersey.
The Covid-19 does not seem more than a bad memory for Losc since three of the four infected players (Renato Sanches, Jonathan Ikoné and Jonathan Bamba) were holders and showed that they were in full possession of their means.
The Northerners, however, will have to be more effective at both ends of the field to have a successful start to the season.
As in Alkmaar last weekend, Lille was surprised by a distant strike in the top corner signed Haris Belkebla (0-1, 17th).
The Mastiffs woke up and logically ended up equalizing thanks to David (35th) but Stade Brestois finally pocketed the bet thanks to a superb free kick from Battochio at the end of the match (1-2, 84th).
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