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- Jonathan David Leads Lille to Victory Against Real Madrid in Champions League
Jonathan David Leads Lille to Victory Against Real Madrid in Champions League
LOSC Lille, with their Canadian star Jonathan David, shocked everyone this week by beating the current Champions League champions, Real Madrid, 1-0 with a goal from David, marking their first win in the new format of the continental tournament.
Lille brought Real Madrid back down to earth, ending Carlo Ancelotti's unbeaten record of 36 consecutive matches. They made the most of a poor performance from a team that struggles away from the Santiago Bernabéu and only deserved a draw in the final minutes when they ran into Chevalier.
It was Lunin's debut due to Courtois's injury, and it was as if he hadn't missed a beat, playing like he was a regular starter. With a brilliant double save, he prevented David’s close-range shot after a quick cross from Mendy’s side. He saved the first shot low and reacted well to the second.
However, he was helpless during the penalty just before halftime when Camavinga’s handball, spotted by VAR, gave Lille the chance they needed. David didn't miss, and this forced Real Madrid to step up in the second half. After a warning shot from Zhegrova near the post, Ancelotti brought in Modric and Mbappé, just eight days after Mbappé's muscle issue.
It took Madrid 87 minutes to finally threaten the opposition's goal. Vinícius overhit the first opportunity set up by Modric, and Carvajal missed a header. Taking risks and becoming vulnerable to Lille’s counters, with Tchouaméni playing as a center-back, they only came close to avoiding defeat in the dying moments.
In the last few minutes, they took more shots on goal than throughout the entire match, although Mbappé was playing cautiously, wary of reinjury. Güler's introduction added some bite to the attack, but it just wasn't their day. They lacked precision, and Chevalier was crucial, first helped by his defense to clear a header from Rüdiger off the line, and then making an impressive save against Güler’s header from Modric's precise pass.
The game ended with desperate attempts to equalize and Vinícius's flick going straight into the keeper's hands. Lille was celebrating. The champions were brought to their knees, adding drama to a Champions League that is debuting a new format and needs to avoid extra matches by finishing in the top eight. A record was shattered for a team that hadn't lost since January 18, leaving them with their La Liga streak to maintain following this important wake-up call.