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Lille built on their impressive midweek result against Manchester United by claiming all three points against Nantes on Saturday.
As was the case at Old Trafford on Tuesday, the northern side produced a solid defensive performance but struggled to create chances. They nonetheless managed two goals - through Jean Makoun and Matt Moussilou - to seal an important win that leaves Nantes slipping towards relegation bother.
Nantes started the game brightly and were unfortunate not to go in front in the 16th minute. Frédéric da Rocha’s corner was headed powerfully towards the Lille goal by Mauro Cetto, but the Argentinian defender was denied by a last-gasp goalline clearance.
Malian striker Mamadou Diallo then saw his cross-shot fizz wide of Tony Sylva’s goal before Lille took the lead against the run of play midway through the first half. Cameroon midfielder Makoun, who is Lille’s top scorer this season, was the player who broke the deadlock, arriving at the right time to head home a near-post corner.
It was a harsh blow for Nantes, who are desperately trying to rediscover some of their early-season form.
They refused to let their heads drop, however, and were soon troubling the home defence once more, Da Rocha seeing his low drive saved by Sylva on the half hour.
Sylva was equally assured in saving Aurelien Capoué’s free kick, before Diallo then Toulalan missed opportunities to draw the visitors level prior to half-time.
As the rain teemed down in the second half, neither side managed to get any kind of control. Nantes pressed forward in search of an equaliser but Toulalan was off target again with his 55th-minute strike, then Da Rocha sliced his effort wide after latching onto Cetto’s header.
Lille eventually wrapped up the win with virtually their second chance and second goal of the night. Moussilou, who had been preferred to Peter Odemwingie in the starting lineup, justified Claude Puel’s choice by curling home a brilliant lob.
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