Lille open Ligue 1 campaign with win at Angers

Lille have started the Ligue 1 campaign by showing why they are again viewed as contenders for a place on the podium. Davide Ancelotti’s team moved temporarily into third position, level with Lyon on three points, while Marseille and Lens sit above them on goal difference. Angers, meanwhile, begin the season without a point after losing at home.

The visitors won 2-0 at the Raymond-Kopa stadium. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a left-footed effort from distance, before Tiago Santos doubled Lille’s advantage in the 31st minute after a coordinated attacking move. Santos later found the net again, but the goal was disallowed because Félix Correia was offside and interfered with play.

Angers looked for a route back into the match after the interval but created only limited danger. Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer dealt with the chances that came his way, including a late opportunity in stoppage time, while Alexsandro cleared an Angers corner. The home side also saw Sbaï’s effort blocked inside the area.

Lille will face a stronger test in five days when Paris Saint-Germain visit for the second round. Angers will attempt to respond next Saturday away to Auxerre, who opened their campaign with a 5-2 defeat at Lens.