Lille vs Real Madrid Prediction: 2/10/2024

Lille are going through a rough patch, and it’s not the best time for that, especially with a match against Real Madrid in the Champions League looming. The Mastiffs may have used up a lot of their energy during the two preliminary rounds of the competition, and now they seem to be running low on momentum. Last weekend, they failed to get back on track with a disappointing performance against Le Havre.

As a result, they head into this clash with Real Madrid on the back of six winless games in all competitions, including four losses. These defeats include a 2-1 loss to Slavia Prague in the Champions League playoff return, setbacks in the league against PSG (1-3) and newly promoted Saint-Etienne (0-1), and a 2-0 loss to Sporting in their opening Champions League group stage match.

On the other hand, Real Madrid, despite their incredible unbeaten streak across all competitions for over a year, haven’t always looked convincing in their play. However, this is what sets great clubs apart: even when they’re not at their best or are being outplayed, they still manage to secure results. Take their recent 3-1 win over Stuttgart in the first round, for example.

Although they were dominated, especially in the first half, they still came away with a flattering scoreline. Last week was pivotal for Carlo Ancelotti’s men in La Liga, with a home game against Alaves followed by a trip to Wanda Metropolitano to face Atlético Madrid, the last team to beat them in an official match back in September 2023.

Lille will be missing Angel Gomes, who was sent off just before half-time in their match against Sporting, so he will not be available to face Real Madrid. Additionally, Andre Gomes is not registered for UEFA competitions, and Nabil Bentaleb has been sidelined due to serious heart issues.

Young Ethan Mbappé, who could have played against his older brother Kylian, is also out with an injury, joining Umtiti, Ismaily, Haraldsson, and Mukau on the injury list. Coach Bruno Genesio will need to devise a tactical plan to counter Ancelotti’s strategy, but Jonathan David (with 2 goals in Ligue 1) and Edon Zhegrova (with 3 goals in 3 league matches) remain the key attacking threats for Lille.

Real Madrid have their own injury concerns, with Johan Martinez (cruciate ligament injury), Dani Ceballos (expected to return in a month), and Brahim Diaz (out until January) missing this match, along with David Alaba, who is still not back in training.

There are also doubts about Eduardo Camavinga, who missed last weekend’s clash against Atlético, though Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham, who were rested in the Alaves game, are expected to be fit for this encounter. Kylian Mbappé, who has been in sensational form with 7 goals in 9 appearances, will be absent until after the international break due to injury. Ancelotti could opt for a 4-4-2 formation, with Bellingham potentially playing as a number 10 or a false 9, while Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo are likely to operate on the wings.

 

Prediction

Real Madrid are coming into this match in excellent form, with 13 wins in their last 18 Champions League games, including five consecutive victories. In contrast, Lille have struggled with seven defeats in their last nine matches, which doesn’t bode well for their chances in this encounter.

Prediction: Lille 0 : 2 Real Madrid