Champions League qualifiers: Lille beat Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe 2-1 in first leg

Lille picked a crucial 2-1 win over Fenerbahçe in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying round at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

The French side are aiming to become the first Ligue 1 team to secure Champions League ticket through the qualifiers since Monaco in 2016.

Angel Gomes had the first significant chance for Lille, firing a low shot from the edge of the box that was saved by Livakovic.

Moments later, Tiago Santos broke the deadlock. The Portuguese winger beat a defender, drove to the byline, and his shot was deflected into the net by Fenerbahçe’s Oosterwolde, leaving Livakovic stranded.

Fenerbahçe’s Edin Dzeko missed an opportunity to equalize in the 32nd minute, failing to direct his shot on target.

Despite growing into the game, the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Jonathan David nearly doubled Lille’s lead from a corner, but couldn’t convert from close range.

After the break, Saint-Maximin tested Lille’s goalkeeper Chevalier, who made a crucial save with his feet.

Fenerbahçe’s Kahveci eventually leveled the score with a brilliant free kick. However, Lille’s substitute Edon Zhegrova proved to be the hero, scoring the winner with another deflected shot past Livakovic.

Lille now have the advantage into the second leg, hoping to finish the job and secure their place in the Champions League group stage.