Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

The people of Lille relapse!

Reduced and harmless, Lille conceded a surprise defeat (1-0) to Clermont on Saturday, falling back into its failings after three straight wins in Ligue 1. An unwelcome setback before an already crucial shock against Sevilla on Wednesday in the Champions League.

The French champion who stumbles at a promoted during the 10th day, it was unexpected but it is not undeserved: Lille, mute offensively in the absence of its scorers Burak Yilmaz and Jonathan David (launched only at the end of the match) , ran in vain behind the score after the Clermont goal of Vital Nsimba (32nd).

This defeat plunges Jocelyn Gourvennec's team back into its doubts at the start of the season since Losc (14 pts) languishes in the middle of the table, only one length ahead of the Auvergne club (11th, 13 pts) which put an end in style to a series of seven games without a win.

Obviously, Yilmaz (suspended Saturday) and David, returned late from his trip to the Canadian selection, should be operational Wednesday against Sevilla at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, where Lille will try to clinch their first European success this season to imagine a future in the League. champions.

But the Mastiffs will have to be much more precise than Saturday in Clermont, where Losc only scored two shots (out of nine attempted) in front of a Gabriel-Montpied stadium delighted with the bad trick played to the French champions.

Portuguese Lille defender Jose Fonte (r.) Fights for the ball with Clermont's French striker Mohamed Bayo (l.) During the L1 match between Clermont and Lille at the Gabriel Montpied stadium in Clermont-Ferrand , in central France, October 16, 2021. THIERRY ZOCCOLAN AFP

- Frustrated reaction -

In fact, Losc has rarely been able to move the Clermont defense, yet the worst in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux (20 goals conceded).

And when the northerner team briefly accelerated, the Auvergnats were vigilant, like the rescue of Nsimba from the top of his head in front of Renato Sanches (9th).

The Portuguese midfielder, back as the holder after a long knee injury, symbolized Lille's lack of enthusiasm.

Draft in the duels, he is at the origin of the loss of the ball on the opening of the scoring and he claimed in vain a possible preliminary fault.

Result: Clermont launched against, Jason Berthomier's shot was countered and Nsimba, who had followed well, opened the scoring with a low half-volley from the left (32nd).

Lille's immediate reaction, symbolized by Xeka's strike after a cross from Timothy Weah, was frustrated by goalkeeper Arthur Desmas, impeccable (35th) and set the tone for the rest of a frustrating match for Lille, at the image of a shot countered by Timothy Weah in pivot (51st) or a shot from captain José Fonte well captured by the keeper (82nd).

And when Lille claimed a penalty for a hand from Nsimba in the area, the video arbitration assistance (VAR), consulted, did not grant the sanction (54th), returning Lille to its doubts and the promoted Clermont to a deserved lap of honor in front of his audience.

© 2021 AFP