Ligue 1: Lille Holds Firm Despite 10-Man Finish to Beat Angers

Lille beats Angers 2-0 to move into second place in Ligue 1, with Hakon Arnar Haraldsson scoring a goal and providing an assist. Get the highlights.

Lille moved up to second place in Ligue 1 after a 2-0 win over Angers at the Stade Raymond Kopa, with Hakon Arnar Haraldsson scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Angers, struggling in the relegation battle, started the match aggressively, but Lille's performance propelled them into the Champions League qualification spots.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Jonathan Clauss's cross being headed clear by Caqueret and Abdelli forcing a fine save from Lucas Chevalier.

Lille's goalkeeper Chevalier made another crucial stop just before the 15-minute mark, denying Jim Allevinah on his return to the starting lineup.

The deadlock remained intact until stoppage time when Lille broke through. A well-executed set piece from Haraldsson found Alexsandro, who rose above his marker to head home a decisive goal, giving Lille the lead heading into halftime.

Lille's chances of extending their lead slipped away when Jonathan David's shot was comfortably saved by Yahia Fofana four minutes into the second half.

However, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson made amends less than a minute later, doubling Lille's advantage with a clinical finish from inside the area. With a deft touch, Haraldsson created space to shoot, and despite being off balance, he expertly placed a side-footed effort into the bottom corner.

Lille climbs to Champions League spots 📈👏 pic.twitter.com/DGaMcUBrXz

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 27, 2025

Hakon Arnar Haraldsson had a chance to double his tally shortly after but his shot went wide despite getting free down the left flank.

Lille held firm despite going down to 10 men with 23 minutes left after Bafode Diakite's red card, never looking in danger of losing the points that could prove crucial in the top-four race.

The win keeps Lille in second place, while Angers remain above the relegation zone but face an uphill battle to avoid a potential playoff with three matches left.