Victor Osimhen missed a penalty but Renato Sanches 84th minute winner earned Lille a 2-1 win over Montpellier in the Ligue 1 encounter between the two sides on Friday night.
The Nigerian international who was one of the regulars that were left out by Christophe Galtier in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea was back in the starting line up against La Surdouée.
And it proved to be the right decision as Lille went ahead in the 40th minute through a Jonathan Ikone penalty after Victor Osimhen was upended in the box.
The strike ensured Lille went into the half with the lead. But almost 30 minutes after the restart, Montpellier levelled through Andy Delort who scored his sixth league goal of the season.
Minutes later, Delort had the chance to put Montpellier ahead, but his shot was saved by Lille’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. He would be left to rue the missed opportunity as Renato Sanches popped up in the 84th minute to fire past Rulli in Montpellier’s goal, and put Lille in the lead for the second time in the match.
Lille had the chance to make the win comfortable after they were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, but Osimhen saw his spot-kick saved.
Nevertheless, Christophe Galtier side held on to secure their ninth win of the season. The win lifted them to third place with 31 points from 18 games.
