They had been brave at 10 against 11 in Marseille (1-1), effective Wednesday against Lorient (3-1) but the 3rd match in 6 days will have been too much.

Stuck in a now fragile 8th place (32 points), the Mastiffs have two weeks to prepare to receive PSG, the last team to beat them on October 29, even if they lost on penalties to Lens in French Cup.

On the other hand, Brest, which had already surprised the future champions last season (3-2 in November 2020) is recovering after its defeats against Nice (3-0) and Paris (2-0) and goes back to a provisional 12th place. (28 points), with 11 points ahead of the relegation zone.

Beninese striker from Brest, Steve Mounié, overflows Dutch defender from Lille, Sven Botman, during the 22nd day of Ligue 1, January 22, 2022 at the Stade Francis-Le Blé Fred TANNEAU AFP

Lille were picked cold from the first minutes, when Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel crossed for Steve Mounié: while trying to intervene, Tiago Djalo, embarrassed by his captain José Fonte, involuntarily deceived Ivo Grbic (1-0, 3rd).

The men of Jocelyn Gourvennec, who was back on the bench after having the Covid, quickly tried to react, but without the success which had allowed them to lead 3-0 after half an hour on Wednesday against Lorient. ..

Lille coach Jocelyn Gourvennec during the match of the 20th day of Ligue 1 against Brest, January 22, 2022 at the Stade Francis-Le Blé Fred TANNEAU AFP

They lacked precision in the last passes and also came up against a fit goalkeeper: Marco Bizot thus intervened several times against Jonathan David (7th, 45th+1), Jonathan Bamba (67th) and Burak Yilmaz (13th).

The Turkish striker also saw Lilian Brassier pounce on a goal ball (35th) and Pierre-Gabriel narrowly clear a well-targeted header (41st).

And when he was well launched in depth, he did not find the frame (64th).

Canadian striker from Lille, Jonathan David, overflows Brest midfielder Hugo Magnetti, during the 20th day of Ligue 1, January 22, 2022 at the Stade Francis-Le Blé Fred TANNEAU AFP

In the second half, the Brestois were more enterprising, but without loosening the noose in defense, to the point that gestures of frustration multiplied on the Lille side.

Lille started the accelerator in the last quarter of an hour, after the entry into play of Hatem Ben Arfa.

The 34-year-old former international, who signed up for the end of the season on Wednesday but hadn't played since May, seemed in good shape.

He thus attempted a one-two with David (85th) and a volley from the penalty spot, but not powerful enough to worry Bizot.

Lille's new striker, Hatem Ben Arfa, before the start of the match against Brest, during the 20th day of Ligue 1, January 22, 2022 at the Stade Francis-Le Blé Fred TANNEAU AFP

And on a counter, Brest drove the point home on a penalty obtained for a tackle by Zeki Celik on Franck Honorat and converted by Mounié (90 + 5).

© 2022 AFP