UEL: Lille Edges Brann 2-1 in UEFA Europa League Opener

Giroud's late winner secures Lille's win over Brann

Lille secured a 2-1 win over Brann in the UEFA Europa League, with Olivier Giroud scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute.

Lille demonstrated their ability to adapt and perform under pressure, showcasing moments of brilliance...

Lille secured a 2-1 win over Brann in the UEFA Europa League, with Olivier Giroud scoring the winning goal after coming off the bench. Giroud's header in the 80th minute sealed the victory for Lille, marking their fourth consecutive home win in all competitions.

Despite being underdogs, Brann created the game's first real opportunity in the fourth minute. Niklas Castro's outswinging corner was nodded wide by captain Fredrik Pallesen Knudsen from roughly 10 yards out, a chance that could have given Brann an early lead.

Lille bounced back from their 3-0 loss to Lens with a strong performance, marked by Nabil Bentaleb's precise pass to Osame Sahraoui. However, Sahraoui's attempt to score from a tight angle resulted in a throw-in, as his shot sailed wide of the goal.

Despite being potentially disadvantaged by Lille's more established season progression, Brann showed resilience. They had a notable chance when Emil Kornvig failed to capitalize on Noah Holm's knock-back header, which would have potentially changed the game's momentum.

As halftime approached, Brann created a promising opportunity. Emil Kornvig's clever backheel pass set up Noah Holm, whose powerful shot hit the woodwork with Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer out of position. Despite this chance, the first half ended goalless, with neither team managing a shot on target.

Lille's head coach, Bruno Genesio, might have considered introducing Olivier Giroud to break the deadlock. However, the team managed to take the lead without Giroud's involvement, ultimately securing a 2-1 win over Brann in the UEFA Europa League match.

Lille took the lead after a well-worked move, with Calvin Verdonk releasing Matias Fernandez-Pardo down the flank. Fernandez-Pardo used his speed to beat Eivind Helland and delivered a precise cross into the box, where Hamza Igamane scored with ease.

90' I 2️⃣-1️⃣

BANG!

Three big @EuropaLeague points secured ✅#LOSCSKB pic.twitter.com/ESAZzPm9b2

— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) September 25, 2025

Brann responded swiftly to Lille's goal, showing no signs of giving up. In a notable moment, goalkeeper Mathias Dyngeland ventured out of his area and attempted a risky dribble, only to be dispossessed by Igamane.

Lille's sloppy passing was punished when Hákon Arnar Haraldsson's error led to a brilliant through ball from Noah Holm to Sævar Atli Magnusson. Magnusson capitalized on the opportunity, scoring with a precise shot that hit the right-hand post of Berke Ozer's goal.

Brann's momentum shifted, and they dominated the match's final stages. Emil Kornvig struck the bar with a beautiful shot, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Ayyoub Bouaddi also hit the woodwork, denying Lille a potential clean sheet.

Olivier Giroud's introduction from the bench proved decisive for Lille. With 10 minutes remaining, he rose high to head in Tiago Santos' inviting cross, securing the win for the French side.

Despite their efforts, Brann fell short, extending their winless record against French teams in European competition. However, they can take pride in their performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, showcasing their determination and spirit.

It's good to be back 😁#UEL pic.twitter.com/3XJheNrZbU

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 25, 2025