Recap: Lille win against 10-man Reims, Monaco edge Saint-Étienne
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Stade de Reims 0-2 LOSC Lille - Diakité & David strike against 10-man Reims
Lille came away with a well-earned three points thanks to goals from defender Bafodé Diakité and a late strike from Jonathan David. The football would pale in comparison to concern following a collision that saw Angel Gomes needing serious medical attention. Yet following a 35-minute delay the match would get back underway.
The away side got the first clear chance to score beforehand, with Tiago Santos providing a tantalising low cross for Mohamed Bayo to hook just wide Yehvann Diouf's post. Reims midfielder Amadou Koné and Lille's Gomes were involved in a serious collision in the 11th minute which saw a prolonged period of stoppage at Stade Auguste Delaune. The midfielder was given a red card, whilst the Englishman had to be evacuated from the stadium, leading to a 20-minute suspension of the match. Hákon Haraldsson came on for Les Dogues, whilst Reims would have to play the majority of the game down to ten men.
After play resumed, Diouf would have to be on hand to intervene with several saves, as Lille began to dominate the ball. Les Dogues logically opened the scoring deep into added time in the first half through captain Bafodé Diakité, who latched onto a downwards header with an unstoppable volley (45+30'). Following the break, Reims would push to get themselves back into the game, but it was Bruno Génésio's side that generated more danger - especially as Jonathan David entered the fray. It was in fact the Canadian international who struck the bar in the final minutes of the match with a looping header. Yet, it wasn't David's last involvement in the game: the striker pounced upon Ethan Mbappé's attempt on goal and poke home Les Dogues' second goal and kill off any chance of a home comeback (90+3').
Lille have confirmed that Angel Gomes has regained consciousness and has been taken to hospital.
AS Monaco 1-0 Saint-Étienne: Minamino on target against combative verts
It was an anticipated return for Saint-Étienne to Ligue 1 following Les Stéphanois' promotion back to the big time via last season's play-offs, but they faced a tough trip to the principality of Monaco. Adi Hütter's side awaited, having prepared for a season where Les Rouge et Blancs will return to the Champions League.
Following a start to the game where they initially struggled to create any chances, the home side found the back of the net through their star midfielder Takumi Minanmino. Following some good build-up play between Ben Seghir and Breel Embolo, the Japanese international finished one-on-one with Larssoneur but it would be ruled out for a tight offside call. It was then the away side's turn to have the ball in the net, this time Ibrahim Sissoko was pulled up for an offside for Les Verts.
A brilliantly-worked counter-attacking move would then end up with Takumi Minamino racing down on goal against the Saint-Étienne goalkeeper, and the Japanese international would finish with a lovely deft lob over Larsonneur (30'). Following another VAR check, referee Clément Turpin would give the goal and afford the Principality a one-goal lead before half-time.
Larsonneur was called upon once more to save well from Embolo, before the referee pointed to the spot following Eliesse Ben Seghir's weaving run into the box. Yet, upon review contact was minimal and the penalty decision was reverted. Ibrahim Sissoko, who already had the ball in the back of the net, thought he grabbed a dramatic leveller when he was released in behind the Monégasque defence and finished off to the delight of the visiting supporters behind the goal. Yet it would provide a temporary delight for Les Stéphanois as VAR denied Saint-Étienne once more for a tight offside. Monaco would then defend their lead until the final whistle.
An encouraging return to Ligue 1 for Les Verts, whilst Monaco only needed the solitary goal to get the job done on home soil.
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