Angers 1-2 Lille: Lille lift fourth title, amid reports on Galtier exit | Ligue 1 2020-21

Lille won Ligue 1 title for 2020-21
Lille won Ligue 1 title for 2020-21 | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Lille didn’t do anything wrong on the final matchday as they ensured three points against Angers to lift the Ligue 1 trophy after 10 years. Jonathan David and Burak Yilmaz found the nets inside the opening half. Angers managed to pull back one in stoppage time after the end of the second half. However, it was not enough for the home side as they couldn’t prevent Lille from winning the trophy. 

Lille won the French league title for the fourth time, after 1946, 1954 and 2011.

Lille breaking the monopoly of PSG

It almost looked like it would be impossible to break the dominance of PSG in Ligue 1, who had won 7 titles in the last decade. However, Lille had other ideas as they prevented Les Parisiens from defending the title. Lille, who last won the trophy in 2010/11, took big advantage of PSG’s fluctuating form this season under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. At the same time, they maintained a near flawless record to remain on top after the final matchday. Lille’s push to be a top-four contender has been evident in the last two seasons, ending up fourth the previous term while finishing second behind PSG in the 2018/19 season.

Burak Yilmaz was pivotal for Lille winning the title

Many players could have contributed to Lille’s title win, but only a few would have had the same impact as veteran striker Burak Yilmaz. The 35-year-old defied the odds to finish as the league’s fourth-highest goal scorer (16 goals) and also first for Lille. The Turkish star’s impact has been impressive over the last few months as he has racked up 7 goals in the previous 7 games.

The mastermind Galtier reportedly leaving

Lille manager Christophe Galtier made the dreams come true for Les Dogues this season. Galtier became the coach of Lille in 2017 when the French side was at 18th spot on Ligue 1 table in December, 2017. He helped the team to avoid relegation and finished 17th in Ligue 1 table.

His side started showing results very next year as Lille finished second on the table. The former St. Etienne gaffer formed a solid squad that contained both youngsters and experienced players.

Lille have one of the best defensive organisation in top five leagues. With Mike Maignan, one of the best as the goalkeeper, Burak Yilmaz and Jonathan David at the front, he built a formidable side.

The saddest part for the new champions would be if their boss, Galtier leaves for OGC Nice, as being reported by media. Fabrizio Romano has also tweeted the news yesterday.