# Lille Come Back to Beat Angers: Jonathan David and André Score
After a challenging season, Lille returned to the Champions League stage with a bang, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angers in the Round of 16. The match, held at the Stade Pierre Mauro, was a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience and quality of Lille's squad.
The game started with both teams looking to dominate possession. Lille, under the leadership of head coach Paulo Fonseca, played an attacking style of football, but Angers initially took the game to them. The visitors had the first shot on target in the 15th minute when Angers' forward Kader Bouldin broke into the box and forced a good save from Lille's goalkeeper, Lucas Halma. However, Lille responded well and took control of the midfield.
In the 35th minute, Lille's star striker Jonathan David came into play. The Canadian forward, who had been quiet in the first half, exploded into life with a clinical finish. David received a pinpoint cross from Renato Sanches and powered a header into the top corner, giving Lille a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later, Angers leveled the score when Bouldin converted a penalty after he was fouled in the box by Tiago Cukier.
The second half was a rollercoaster for both teams. Lille, now trailing, turned to their young guns to turn the game around. Wissam Salama, a 19-year-old sensation, delivered an excellent cross from the right flank, and David was once again on hand to head the ball into the net, putting Lille back in front in the 58th minute. The Stade Pierre Mauro erupted as Lille's fans celebrated their comeback.
Despite Angers' efforts to equalize, Lille's defense held firm. Salama almost doubled the lead with a dangerous shot, but Angers' goalkeeper, Serhii Bondar, saved well. In the 88th minute, Angers thought they had tied the game when Bouldin was brought down in the box again, but Halma saved the penalty. The final minutes saw Lille defend meticulously, ensuring their victory.
This win was a significant boost for Lille's confidence. Now, they face a tough opponent in the quarterfinals, but their performance against Angers shows they have the quality to go far in the tournament. Jonathan David, in particular, proved why he is one of Europe's most exciting young players, while the entire team's resilience shone through.
With this victory, Lille has sent a strong message: they are back, and they mean business. The future is bright for this talented squad as they aim to make history in the Champions League.