Lille Snatch Late Win to Secure Europa League Play-Off Spot

Stoppage-time penalty sinks Freiburg despite visitors finishing in top eight

LOSC Lille kept their European campaign alive by scoring a stoppage-time penalty to beat SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League, securing a place in the knockout play-off round.

Despite the defeat, Freiburg remained inside the top eight, suffering their first European loss of the season (W5, D2) but still progressing directly to the last 16.

Cagey opening with stakes clear

Arriving on the back of five consecutive defeats in all competitions, Lille knew they had to stop the slide to preserve their knockout hopes. A draw would likely be enough, while Freiburg were comfortable knowing only a dramatic swing of results elsewhere could deny them a top-eight finish.

With so much on the line, the first half was predictably cautious. The best opening fell to Hákon Haraldsson, whose long-range, bouncing effort drifted wide, while Lille showed promise on the counter without creating anything decisive.

At the interval, the stalemate suited both sides and reflected a subdued opening 45 minutes.

Chances and red card change the tone

The second half opened up considerably. Freiburg almost struck first when Junior Adamu broke in behind the defence, only to blaze his effort high and wide. Shortly after, Jan-Niklas Beste delivered a dangerous cross that forced Berke Özer into a sharp save.

Lille then went closest to breaking the deadlock. Matias Fernandez-Pardo raced clear on goal but failed to lift the ball over Noah Atubolu, missing a golden opportunity.

The momentum swung firmly towards the hosts when Maximilian Eggestein was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Fernandez-Pardo, leaving Freiburg to play the final stages with 10 men.

Late drama seals qualification

With favourable results elsewhere keeping Lille inside the play-off positions, there was no need for desperation — but the hosts pushed on regardless.

Their reward came deep into stoppage time when Cyriaque Irié tripped Fernandez-Pardo in the box. Substitute Olivier Giroud stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty to spark celebrations at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Despite losing four of their final six league-phase matches, Lille advance to the knockouts, thanks largely to a formidable home record that has seen them win 13 of their last 17 European games on home soil (D2, L2).

Freiburg drop to seventh place in the standings, but an automatic place in the last 16 ensures their European journey continues.