The Losc even ensured a European spring since it will finish at the worst third of its group, even in the event of defeat in two weeks in Wolfsburg on the last day.

A draw in Germany will be enough for the Northerners to join the European Top 16 for the second time in their history.

Once is not customary this season, the reigning French champion, struggling in Ligue 1 with a little shining 12th place, had success on the goal scored by the inevitable Jonathan David (31st), already scorer during the prestigious success in Seville three weeks ago (2-1).

A goal that is worth gold.

Canadian Lille striker Jonathan David opens the scoring at home against Salzburg in their Champions League group match on November 23, 2021 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy Denis Charlet AFP

The Mastiffs, who had been waiting for a home victory in the Champions League for more than 15 years, had never won a C1 match on their land since their three successes had been recorded in Lens (against Olympiakos and AEK Athens) and at the Stade de France (against Manchester United).

It is now done, to the delight of their noisy supporters!

After a start of the meeting to its advantage, the Losc began to suffer the Austrian waves, like this rescue of Ivan Grbic in front of Benjamin Sesko (9th) or a shot from the Salzburg captain Andreas Ulmer blocked without problem by the Serbian doorman (11th).

But little by little, the people of Lille have come out of the water to regain control of operations.

In the absence of Jonathan Ikoné, suspended, just like Benjamin André, coach Jocelyn Gourvennec had established Burak Yilmaz in attack alongside David, the top scorer in Ligue 1. Little success at the start of the game with notably lost balls and a big missed opportunity on a cross from Jonathan Bamba (27th), the Turk insisted and did well!

David, him again

Indeed, shortly after, he was at the origin of the opening scoring of the Mastiffs: served at the corner of the surface, he made a powerful rush and after several favorable blocks, the ball landed in the feet of David, the savior of Losc this season who did not spoil the offering (1-0, 31st).

Canadian Lille striker Jonathan David is congratulated by Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz after opening the scoring at home against Salzburg in their Champions League group match on November 23, 2021 at Stade Pierre -Mauroy Denis Charlet AFP

Without being flamboyant, the Northerners, well in place defensively, were serious until half-time and contained Salzburg and its young strikers Benjamin Sesko (18) and Karim Adeyemi (19).

The German prodigy, who had put the Lille defense to death in the first leg, was much sharper after the break, like his team, dangerous on set pieces (62nd, 66th, 68th).

Cameroonian Salzburg defender Jérôme Junior Onguéné wins his duel against Canadian Lille striker Jonathan David opens the scoring at home against Salzburg in their Champions League group match on November 23, 2021 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy Denis Charlet AFP

But Lille hung on and obtained situations, such as this attempt by Jonathan Bamba pushed back in front of his goal line by an Austrian defender (73rd) or this center behind the former Stéphanois that Amadou Onana did could resume after slipping (74th).

Le Losc, who has already lost eight points in the last quarter of an hour in the league, has not cracked this time and recorded a second consecutive success in the Champions League which allows him to dream of a qualification for the eighth of final.

© 2021 AFP