Another slip for Liverpool, adding to a season of disappointment. Still a lot to play for in the second leg, but a team like Liverpool should have done a lot better.
The goal came late in the game – 84th minute – by Hazard, with a curling free kick.
Liverpool had the responsibility of trying to get something out of this, and Lille had their squad set up to try to counter Liverpool’s pressure. But their organization proved too much for Benitez’s men, who were too static in their positioning and movement and weren’t able to make the necessary sudden changes in pace to break the opponent’s back line. The late goal rewarded a game of patience by Lille and an excellent performance by Hazard.
