Olivier Giroud rolled back the years in Belgrade on Wednesday night, inspiring Lille to a dramatic 2-0 victory over Crvena Zvezda at the Rajko Mitic Stadium that secured a 2-1 aggregate triumph and a place in the Europa League Round of 16. The veteran striker, France's all-time leading goalscorer, struck after just four minutes to level the tie before Nathan Ngoy sealed the comeback in extra time, capping a memorable evening for Les Dogues.
Lille had arrived in Serbia facing a deficit after losing the first leg 1-0 at home, and the pressure was firmly on Bruno Genesio's side to produce an immediate response. They did exactly that. Benjamin Andre delivered a perfectly weighted cross from the right wing in the fourth minute, and Giroud, displaying the predatory instincts that have defined his illustrious career, flicked the ball in at the near post. The early strike shifted the momentum decisively in Lille's favour and silenced the hostile Belgrade crowd.
Crvena Zvezda, managed by former Inter Milan and Serbia goalkeeper Dejan Stankovic, refused to buckle under the early setback. The hosts reorganised and gradually worked their way back into the contest, creating several openings as the first half progressed. Stankovic made a bold halftime change, introducing the experienced Marko Arnautovic in an attempt to swing the match back in Red Star's favour. The Austrian forward came close with a clear header in the second half but sent it straight at Lille goalkeeper Altay Ozer, who held firm.
Despite periods of sustained Serbian pressure, Lille's defence stood resolute throughout the 90 minutes. The match ended 1-0 after regular time, meaning the aggregate stood level at 1-1 and extra time was required. Both teams appeared fatigued as the additional period began, but it was Lille who found the decisive breakthrough. Matias Fernandez-Pardo embarked on a surging run down the left flank, dragging defenders out of position and creating chaos in the Crvena Zvezda backline.
The ball was recycled across the pitch before falling to Nathan Ngoy, who kept his composure to fire home and put Lille 2-0 ahead on the night and 2-1 up on aggregate. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the home side, and Lille comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to confirm their passage to the last 16.
The result represents a significant achievement for Lille, who had been struggling for form since the turn of the year. Overcoming a first-leg home defeat to progress in European competition underlines the resilience and character within Genesio's squad. For Giroud, whose decision to return to French football has been scrutinised, the performance in Belgrade served as a powerful reminder of his enduring quality at the highest level.
Lille now await the draw for the Europa League Round of 16, where they will be hoping to continue their European adventure. For Crvena Zvezda and Stankovic, the disappointment of elimination will sting, particularly given the advantage they held coming into the second leg. The Serbian giants fought bravely but ultimately fell short against a Lille side that showed championship mettle when it mattered most.
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