Goals from Sofiane Boufal and Djibril Sidibe have guided Lille to a 2-0 victory over Montpellier HSC in the Ligue 1 this evening.
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The visitors were the first team to threaten when Bryan Dabo rose highest in the area to head Ryad Boudebouz's corner at goal, but he could only send his effort over the bar.
Lille hit back with a chance of their own as Lenny Nangis was afforded space inside the penalty area, but he fired his strike straight at Laurent Pionnier.
Djibril Sidibe had a decent opportunity to fire the home side ahead when he latched on to a loose ball outside the box, only to curl his effort over the bar.
Lille took the lead just before the break as Sofiane Boufal was brought down in the box by Ellyes Skhiri. Boufal took the spot kick himself and maintained his composure to beat Pionnier.
In the second half, Benjamin Pavard almost doubled his side's lead when he fired at goal from distance, but saw his strike saved by Pionnier.
Lille did double their advantage when Sidibe found space on the edge of the box and curled his effort beyond the reach of Pionnier into the bottom corner.
Montpellier had the chance to get back into the game as Sebastien Corchia brought down Quentin Cornette in the box and a penalty was awarded. Boudebouz took the spot kick, but his shot hit the post and the home side cleared the danger.
The penalty miss did not deter the visitors from trying to get back into the game, but their best efforts were in vain as Hilton and William Remy failed to find the net, allowing Lille to hold out for their first win in four matches.
Simon Sinclair
