Remy Cabella inspires Lille to comeback victory over Montpellier
The hosts were looking to bounce back after an embarrassing defeat to rock-bottom Angers last time out, as they aimed to keep their hopes of European football next season alive. The home side started strongly and dominated possession early on, but they struggled to create any clear chances. That was until LOSC won a corner in the 19th minute, and Jonathan Bamba met the delivery to force a smart reflex save from Montpellier keeper Benjamin Lecomte.
But as they did in September’s 3-1 defeat to Lille, Montpellier took the lead, doing so completely against the run of play in the 24th minute. The scorer of that opener seven months ago, Elye Wahi, was the provider on this occasion, with his scuffed effort finding Issiaga Sylla. With Lille’s defence at sea, the Guinean full-back calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner past a nonplussed Lucas Chevalier, and ended a personal wait of 851 days for a goal.
Unlike the reverse clash, Montpellier’s lead survived up to HT. But as a side unbeaten at home since last August, Lille were never going to go down without a fight. And the War Machine had a golden opportunity to draw level within two minutes of the restart, as Jonathan David’s flick found Benjamin André in the area, but the midfielder took too long before eventually firing wide after pressure from a Montpellier defender.
Lille continued to press for an equaliser as the half went on, and Lille finally got their equaliser after 70 minutes through top scorer David who hit home his 20th of the season, as he buried a shot from close range from Remy Cabella’s cross. The War Machine weren’t done there though, as they took the lead just two minutes later The provider turned goalscorer, as Cabella was on hand to head home from a yard out after Ismaily saw his low effort saved by Lecomte.
There were a couple of nervy moments in the dying minutes for Lille, but after their second comeback win of the campaign over Montpellier, the hosts managed to strengthen their hopes of European football next season, as they climbed to fifth in the table. Meanwhile the defeat leaves Montpellier sitting mid-table in 13th place, and with all eyes still firmly on next season.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Remy Cabella (Lille)