Lille has increased its chances in the Champions League knockout rounds after a commanding 3-2 victory against Sturm Graz.
While the Austrian giant’ Sturm Graz gave a good battle, Lille displayed enough resilience and quality that was enough to put their opponent behind them in the game.
Lille dominated the first half of the game with outstanding goals by Osame Sahraoui and Mitchel Bakker. Osame Sahraoui scored his goal through a good solo run where he scored the opener, while Mitchel Bakker scored the second goal after converting a quick counterattack.
Despite the great effort from Lille, it did not discourage Sturm Graz from scoring before the end of the first half through a deflected effort by Otar Kiteishvili that later ended in the net.
The Austrian champion put more pressure on the second half of the game, making it a draw in the 49th minute of the second half through an accurate cross from William Bøving that was converted into a goal by Mika Biereth.
The host, Lille, continued to dominate despite an equalizer by their opponent, but they ended up securing the win in the 81st minute through fine finishing by Hákon Haraldsson. Sturm Graz’s great play earned respect, with their Slovenian players Jon Gorenc Stanković and Tomi Horvat playmaking.
The win for Lille is an encouragement as they progress in the UEFA Champions League competition, keeping their knockout dreams firmly alive.
