Lille moved up to second place in the French Ligue 1 table after securing a 2-1 victory over Rennes at Roazhon Park on Sunday, with Soriba Diaoune and Nathan Ngoy scoring for the visitors.
Diaoune opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a left-footed effort from outside the box, giving Lille an early advantage in the encounter.
Rennes responded seven minutes later as Boulaye Dia restored parity from close range in the 31st minute, finishing off a corner delivered by Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.
The hosts increased their pressure after the break, with Mousa Al-Taamari testing Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer with a low shot in the 65th minute.
However, Lille regained the lead three minutes later when Ngoy fired a left-footed strike from distance, with Diaoune providing the assist for the decisive goal.
Rennes pushed for a late equaliser, but Charlie Cresswell headed wide in the second minute of stoppage time as Lille held on for the victory.
Despite dominating possession with 55.6 per cent and registering 15 shots, Rennes were unable to find another goal, while Lille’s defence recorded 37 clearances to preserve their advantage.
The result leaves Lille second in the Ligue 1 standings, while Rennes remain fifth.
Rennes will visit Lorient in their next league fixture, while Lille are scheduled to host Lyon.
