(Ligue 1 2022/2023): Highlights LOSC - NANTES

Lille and Nantes met on the season's penultimate weekend in what was a pivotal game for both sides, but in very different ways. Lost came into matchday 37, holding on to the crucial final European spot in fifth. But with Rennes hot on their heels, just one point back, they had a significantly superior goal difference after their 5-0 win last time out. Impressive win over Marseille, which had seen them hang on to that spot. Lost but Nantes have been yet another disappointing loss. 3-0 at home to Montpellier, which saw them remain in the drop zone. 13 matches without a win and four without a goal, but there was still hope. Just one place and one point behind Auzere and one goal up in this game. One time Merlin with a goal that could have proven magical for Nantes. Fullback with his first of the season, bouncing on a horror moment for Alexandre. Well anticipated by Merlin and well dispatched as he was through on goal. That was the only action of note in a quiet first half. Booze at the interval from the home crowd. Bartley Dogg would bite back after the restart. It would be something of a boneheaded challenge, though. It would give them the opportunity to level things up. Ademunas introduced for the second half and almost immediately being brought down by Charles Traore in the box. Referee pointing to the spot. Jonathan David would, of course, be the man to step up. He would dispatch the spot kick with Panache clipped in off the woodwork for number 23 in the league. No chance for Albon Lafont. He did have a chance to clear a corner with 10 minutes to go, but failed to do so. Lafont had punched the tireless Carlos Baleba. It would turn out VAR getting involved. Eventually, a penalty given to Lille would be a chance for the keeper to make amends. David again, of course, going right again, but saved by Lafont. Redemption, or was it? VAR again involved to show the keeper had been off his line. The penalty would have to be retaken. So the final act of the trilogy and this time, no mistake from David going right once again. Any doubt about the message on his shirt after the previous goal, making totally sure after goal number 24 at the expense of a yellow card. A crucial goal for his side in the 89th minute. A huge win for LOSC that moves them up to fourth to a Europa League spot. Defeat in equal parts, painful and damaging for Nantes. The Canaries like to be heading down the mine. Only a win against Angers next week, combined with nothing better than a draw for Roser. We'll see them find the light at the end of the tunnel.