Olivier Giroud fires Lille to winning Ligue 1 start

Lille began the Ligue 1 season with a win as Olivier Giroud gave Davide Ancelotti a successful first match in charge of the club. The French striker, who had only just returned from injury, made an immediate impact at the start of his latest campaign with the northern side.

Giroud opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Lille won the ball high up the pitch. Nabil Bentaleb supplied him, and the 39-year-old forward turned before sending a low effort beyond Anthony Lopes from outside the area. Tiago Santos added Lille’s second in the 31st minute, finishing a move that followed a counter-attack and a loose ball.

Lille controlled the game for long periods and limited Angers to few clear openings before the break. The hosts had stronger spells after half-time, but their forwards failed to convert the chances available to them. Lille remained dangerous when space opened up and protected their advantage through the final stages.

The result gives Ancelotti a positive start in the French top flight and hands Lille an opening victory. Giroud’s goal also provides an early return on the decision to lead the attack with the veteran forward, who joined the club from LAFC in the 2025-26 season. Angers leave the match needing greater precision in front of goal.