Real Madrid suffered a disheartening defeat to Lille in their first-ever Champions League encounter on Wednesday night.
The reigning European champions, who had previously started the tournament strongly against Stuttgart, found themselves lacking in both attacking rhythm and consistency throughout the match.
Despite notable talents like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Endrick underperforming, it was Lille’s confidence that shone through.
The French side executed a well-structured game plan that ultimately saw them triumph with a lone penalty goal from Jonathan David shortly before halftime. The decision came after a VAR review confirmed Eduardo Camavinga’s stray arm had deflected the ball.
Madrid’s early opportunities included a long-range effort from Vinicius Junior, which was calmly saved by Lille’s Lucas Chevalier. A rare glimpse of hope came when Endrick maneuvered through the defense but failed to convert as Chevalier closed down the angle effectively. Lille pressed forward, with David’s header striking the post, showcasing their control of the match.
Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, including the introductions of Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric, Madrid continued to struggle in the final third. Late attempts to equalize saw efforts from Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger ultimately thwarted by the resolute Lille defense.
As the final whistle blew, the home crowd erupted in celebration, marking a historic victory for Lille against one of football’s giants, leaving Madrid to reflect on their missed chances and an unexpected setback in the tournament.
