Giroud strikes late to extend Lille’s dominance over Lens in Northern Derby
Olivier Giroud scored the decisive goal as Lille defeated Lens 1-0 in the 125th edition of the Northern Derby on Friday evening, according to Le Petit Lillois. The 40-year-old forward, introduced as a substitute for the third consecutive match, converted at the 86th minute after Nabil Bentaleb's shot from the edge of the area was parried by Robin Risser. Giroud's half-volley finish extended his tally to fourteen goals in Lille colours.
The victory marked Lille's eleventh success in their last twelve home matches against Lens in Ligue 1, continuing a strong historical record in the fixture. The hosts maintained sustained pressure throughout, applying intense pressing that repeatedly troubled their visitors. Lens created a notable opening when Florian Thauvin broke through late in the first half, only for goalkeeper Berke Özer to make a decisive tackle at the edge of Lille's area.
Giroud has become the first player over 40 years old to score for Lille, having previously achieved this milestone against Brest. His appearance off the bench proved decisive given his team-mate's earlier failure to convert chances. Manager Davide Ancelotti acknowledged post-match that Giroud had expressed frustration over his recent exclusion from starting lineups, describing the striker as angry at not beginning matches.
The result sees Lille and Lens separated by only two points in the Ligue 1 standings. Giroud's injury-time intervention proved the difference in a game where Lille dominated possession and territory but struggled to break down their visitors until the closing stages.
