With nine days still to play, LOSC is positioned as a credible candidate for Europe by doubling the Stade Rennais, beaten Saturday by Lens (1-0) at home, thanks to a magnificent final in its citadel of the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, impregnable since August.
Quickly ahead thanks to Rémy Cabella (13th, 1-0), the Northerners almost spoiled their clear domination with the equalization of Ibrahima Koné (77th, 1-1), three minutes after his entry into play. But Zhegrova came off the bench and out of his box to stun the Hake in two minutes (89th and 90th+1).
"Taking two consecutive goals, it hurts," commented the Lorient Theo Le Bris, disappointed, on the air of Prime Video.
The final result, however, quite accurately reflects the domination of Lille, with a Cabella at the helm well inspired in his role as leader.
Two goals in two minutes
The hero of the day, however, is called Zhegrova, savior in extremis with his fatal left foot, about ten minutes after entering the lawn. Two days after his 24th birthday, the Kosovar winger offered three valuable points to his supporters, with whom he shared a crowd bath at the final whistle.
"I'm still a player like that, I like to get on the field and change the course of games, I'm very happy today," said the N.23 at the microphone of the broadcaster.
With this success, Paulo Fonseca's players take two points ahead of Rennes in the standings. They will have the opportunity to push their advantage next week at the red lantern, Angers, before facing Montpellier, Auxerre and Ajaccio during the month of April.
On Sunday, Lille have long largely dominated the match against Lorientais borrowed and rarely dangerous. At the break, the statistics showed twelve shots to zero in favor of the locals. The visitors waited until the 67th minute to try to catch the frame...
The Merlus, reduced to ten in the 79th minute (second yellow card for Laurent Abergel), suffer their first defeat in four games, which weakens their eighth place occupied at kick-off.
© 2023 AFP