In the midst of their Champions League qualifying campaign, Lille travelled to Reims for their Ligue 1 opener, with the hosts playing their first competitive match under Franco-Slovenian coach Luka Elsner.
The match would be overshadowed by the serious blow to the head suffered by Angel Gomes, after a collision in the air with Amadou Koné ten minutes into the game. The Englishman, who was initially left unconscious, was on the ground for over half an hour as he received treatment. His teammates, who formed a circle around him straight away, were incensed by what they saw as a slow initial reaction from the medical personnel – with Rémy Cabella even grabbing an oxygen bag to bring onto the pitch.
Koné, who was duly sent off, apologised for the accidental collision straight away as he was leaving the pitch. Gomes would eventually leave the pitch on a stretcher, with an ambulance waiting pitchside, as both sets of fans chanted his name. It was soon confirmmed by Lille that the former Manchester United man had regained consciousness and was on his way to the hospital.
Once play resumed, Lille were on the front foot and made the most of their numerical advantage, despite the difficult circumstances. It was defender Bafodé Diakité who would break the deadlock, turning in a half-volley from close range after Cabella’s corner from the right. The Lille captain ran straight over to the bench to celebrate by brandishing a Gomes jersey to the Stade Auguste-Delaune crowd.
Les Dogues’ domination continued after the break, with 23-year-old winger Osame Sahraoui – a summer arrival from Heerenveen – the standout performer going forward. As the half went on, though, Bruno Génésio’s men understandably began to play with the handbrake on, with their reception of Slavia Prague just days away. Jonathan David would nevertheless find time to double the lead in the final minutes of the game, having found himself one-on-one with Yehvann Diouf after Ethan Mbappé’s shot was deflected into his path.
Given the distressing circumstances, it would be premature to draw any grand conclusions for either side after tonight’s season-opener. Reims will have played virtually the entire match a man down, up against a team that was ostensibly content with sitting back after taking the lead, as their priorities lay elsewhere.
Angel Gomes himself would give a reassuring update on Sunday via his social media accounts – “the impact was hard, but I’m feeling better” – after LOSC president Olivier Létang had confirmed post-match to DAZN that the Englishman had regained consciousness and was speaking and moving while in hospital.
Selected player ratings
Reims
Yehvann Diouf, 5 – The 24-year-old goalkeeper kept his team in the game for as long as he could with four saves – notably making a near-post stop from Mohamed Bayo in the first half, injuring his finger in the process.
Junya Ito, 5 – The Japanese winger was responsible for carving out the few chances the Champagne outfit had to get back into the game – notably a late cross that was deflected by Thomas Meunier.
Oumar Diakité, 4
Keito Nakamura, 4
Lille
Osame Sahraoui, 7 – The summer signing had already caught the eye in his cameo appearance in Istanbul in midweek, and confirmed that first impression with a dynamic showing in Reims. Always willing to take his defender on, the Norwegian international was key to Lille’s second-half dominance with some incisive runs paired with selfless decision-making.
Bafodé Diakité, 7 – The defender, who wore the captain’s armband until Jonathan David came on in the second half, opened his team’s account for the campaign with a well-taken half-volley, and led the backline to a clean sheet.
Tiago Santos, 6
Rémy Cabella, 5
Mohamed Bayo, 4
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin – from the Stade August-Delaune, Reims
