The re-entry of the champion. For the first of the reigning French champion in this Ligue 1 edition 2021-2022, the LOSC almost fell on the lawn of FC Metz (3-3). Ended the Christophe Galtier era, place for Jocelyn Gourvennec on the bench of the Mastiffs, who began this new exercise of L1 crowned with the first trophy of the year, namely the Champions Trophy gleaned against PSG last Sunday (1-0) . At the Saint-Symphorien stadium, the Lille people presented themselves in their classic 4-4-2, without real surprise with in particular Fonte, Sanches, André, Bamba or even the Yilmaz-David duo at the forefront. Same story on the Metz side, where Frédéric Antonetti aligned Oukidja, his captain Bronn, the revelation of last year Sarr or even Niane in attack, after an encouraging summer preparation (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat).
In an early match to the advantage of LOSC, David created the first real opportunity of the game. Following a one-two between Yilmaz and André, the Kraal sent a strong cross in front of Oukidja’s goal that Centonze was close to extending in his own net. At the far post, Bamba followed and put on David who, at close range, could not straighten the powerful ball with his head (10th). The sharp recoveries of the Mastiffs hurt the defense of FC Metz, which was struggling to regain the solidity that was its strength last year. A few moments after a new warning signed Bamba, who found the post even if Yilmaz was signaled offside at the start of the action, the visitors opened the scoring on a header placed out of reach by Botman on a corner from Yazici (0- 1, 23rd).
Metz, transformed, turns the tide
But now, the Messins, pushed by the 15,000 spectators present in their enclosure, have not abdicated. On a cross from Delaine on the left, Centonze surprised a naive Reinildo and at fault in the duel to cross and deceive Jardim with the head (1-1, 31st). An unexpected equalizer which had the merit of wrapping up an already lively meeting even more. In the process, Sarr unleashed an overpowered half-volley boxed by the Lille goalkeeper (33rd), to which Yilmaz (36th) then David (38th) responded, respectively blocked by Oukidja then Kouyaté. Completely reinvigorated, Antonetti’s men took advantage of their strong time to gain the advantage thanks to Udol, who concluded with a flat foot a small game of billiards in the northern area (2-1, 42nd). It therefore only took 11 minutes for Metz to return the last winner of Ligue 1, who was not at the end of his sentences in a match with a stunning scenario.
Because when they returned from the locker room, the intention of the Messins was intact. The envy put into the duels and the attempts of the locals paid off. After a very nice collective movement on the right side, Centonze offered himself a double, taking advantage of a tackle from Botman rebounding on his left shin and once again deceiving the vigilance of Jardim (3-1, 52nd). A comfortable and significant advantage of two goals in view of the minutes that followed. Guilty of an uncontrolled tackle on Yilmaz, Kouyaté was excluded by Mr. Wattellier (56th). Immediately after, Botman found the bar and André called well to reduce the score. A joy however short-lived because after long seconds of hesitation, the referee of the meeting, after intervention of the VAR, refused the goal for an offside of a few centimeters from the French midfielder.
Yilmaz equalizes at the end of the suspense
After this fact of unfavorable play, the Mastiffs seemed stunned, as unable to react, to give themselves the means to believe in this part. Centonze, again him (72nd) then Delaine (74th) pushed and were not far from driving the point home, while a contentious situation left Mr. Wattellier insensitive. Out of the bench, Ikoné, served by another incoming Lihadji, nevertheless gave Lille hope (3-2, 81st). What offer an unbreathable end of the game to the public of Saint-Symphorien. But Oukidja did not tremble in front of Sanches (83rd) then worked on a strike from Lihadji (90th + 2) while Bamba, ideally placed, collapsed walking on the ball (87th) and Kouyaté stood out from a acrobatic rescue in front of Yilmaz (90th). At first, because, at the end of a rush of which only he has the secret, the astonishing Yilmaz distinguished himself to snatch the point of the draw in this match which had therefore not yet reserved all its surprises (3 -3, 90th + 7).
FC Metz, which therefore ended up giving in to the many assaults in Lille, started the season better than it had ended in 2020-2021 and came close to offering itself a prestigious success after a successful performance. What to approach the trip to Nantes, Sunday, serenely. During the year of the coronation, Lille had never lost after opening the scoring. A dynamic intact at the dawn of this new 2021-2022 season. The euphoria of the Champions Trophy however seems far away for Jocelyn Gourvennec, who will quickly have to re-mobilize his troops before the reception of OGC Nice from a certain Christophe Galtier next Saturday, even if the state of mind remains impeccable.