Olivier Giroud spearheaded a successful start for new Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti, netting the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Angers during their Ligue 1 season opener. The 39-year-old former France striker, who celebrates his 40th birthday next month, broke the deadlock just 11 minutes into the match. He capitalized on a precise pass from Nabil Bentaleb, unleashing an impressive low drive from long range to put his side ahead.
Securing the Result
Lille extended their lead shortly after the half-hour mark when Tiago Santos volleyed home a loose ball, concluding a fluid attacking sequence. Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, assumed control of the squad in June following the exit of Bruno Genesio to Marseille. The club enters the new campaign with high expectations after finishing third last season and securing a spot in the Champions League league phase.
Player Reactions and Transfer Speculation
- Reflecting on the performance, Giroud told Ligue 1+: “It wasn’t perfect, but we wanted to start strongly today.”
- He added regarding the missed opportunities to extend the lead: “We could have killed the game off earlier.”
- Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, was notably absent from the matchday squad amid intense speculation linking him to a move to Manchester City.
- The Moroccan youngster was seen saying his potential goodbyes to the travelling supporters following the conclusion of the match.
- Addressing the transfer rumors, Giroud remarked: “We don’t know what will happen. If it happens then we will want to celebrate the win for him.”
Ligue 1 Round-Up
Elsewhere in the league, former England defender Eric Dier secured a 1-0 victory for Monaco against newly promoted Le Havre in Normandy. Meanwhile, the opening weekend concludes with Paris Saint-Germain beginning their pursuit of a sixth consecutive league title. The champions are set to face Rennes away from home, as the fixture was relocated from the Parc des Princes due to the poor condition of the pitch. The report also notes that who turns 40 next month, broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with an excellent low drive from long range after collecting Nabil Bentaleb’s pass, former France striker Giroud.
