Moussilou magic lifts Lille
Wednesday, 15 December 2004
[1] LOSC Lille Métropole claimed top spot in UEFA Cup Group H with victory against Sevilla FC at the Villeneuve d'Ascq stadium.
Moussilou strikes
[2] Substitute Matt Moussilou scored the only goal on 77 minutes as Lille won their third straight game in Group H. It was Sevilla's first defeat, and they finish second on goal difference from TSV Alemannia Aachen, who defeated AEK Athens FC 2-0 in the group's other tie.
Changes made
[3] With qualification to the last 32 already assured, both sides rested players, with Sevilla, fifth in the Primera División, mindful of their derby with Real Betis Balompié on Sunday.
Debuchy influential
[4] Lille took the initiative on a cold night, with 19-year-old Matthieu Debuchy particularly influential. On 19 minutes his cross found Philippe Brunel, but a last-ditch challenge kept the scores level.
Cabaye comes close
[5] Thirteen minutes later, Lille came close again, with Yohan Cabaye this time crashing an effort off the crossbar after meeting a cross from the right. Looking to strike on the counter, Sevilla's best chance fell to Javier Casquero, who shot wide with Lille goalkeeper Tony Sylva beaten.
Notario saves
[6] At the other end, Johan Audel's shot was well held by Antonio Notario, who thwarted the Lille striker again on the edge of his area moments before the interval, this time earning a booking for his challenge.
Moussilou chance
[7] Audel shot over on 56 minutes, but soon after made way for Moussilou who was quickly into the action, drawing a save from Notario after the goalkeeper had clawed away Milenko Acimovic's testing corner.
Moussilou winner
[8] Lille were on top, and it was Moussilou who made sure of the points with 13 minutes to play, connecting with Grégory Tafforeau's pinpoint cross to head the UEFA Intertoto Cup winners into the last 32 on top of Group H.
Matt Moussilou (centre) celebrates after scoring Lille's winner