Lille endured a frustrating night in Belgrade as Marko Arnautović’s late spot-kick earned Crvena Zvezda a 1-0 win, leaving the French side with back-to-back defeats in the Europa League.
Despite dictating the game for long spells, Bruno Genesio’s men once again failed to convert their dominance into goals and paid the price in the dying minutes.
Inside a charged Marakana Stadium, Lille immediately took control, moving the ball smoothly and pressing high.
The midfield trio of Broholm, Bouaddi, and Bentaleb orchestrated the play, while Igamane and Correia tried to stretch the Serbian defence.
Their best opportunity before halftime fell to Igamane, whose sharp strike was brilliantly turned away by goalkeeper Matheus. Still, despite their control, the Dogues went into the break without a breakthrough.
The second half followed a familiar script, Lille keeping the ball, but lacking penetration. They ended the game with 61% possession and more than 550 passes, yet with nothing to show for it.
Genesio threw on Giroud, Meunier, and Haraldsson in search of a spark, but it was the hosts who landed the decisive blow.
Five minutes from time, Lille keeper Özer misjudged a rush off his line and clattered into Ivanic, giving away a penalty. Arnautović made no mistake from the spot, coolly sending Özer the wrong way to hand Crvena Zvezda the lead.
Lille pushed hard for a late equaliser, Giroud forced a strong save, and Bouaddi’s thunderous effort crashed off the bar in stoppage time, but the comeback never materialised.
As the whistle sounded, Genesio could only watch in dismay as another night of promise slipped away in frustration.
