Real Madrid Suffers First Loss Since May, Falling to Lille

Real Madrid suffered their first Champions League defeat since May 2023, falling 1-0 to Lille at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium. This loss also ended Carlo Ancelotti’s 36-match unbeaten run in all competitions which dated back to January 2024 when Atletico Madrid defeated Real in the Copa del Rey. Jonathan David scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot after VAR reviewed the play.

The review determined that Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga had handled Edon Zhegrova’s free-kick in the box. Despite Andriy Lunin’s earlier heroics in goal including a superb double save to deny David, the Canadian striker made no mistake with his penalty. Lille dominated much of the match, fully deserving their win after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Sporting in their opening group game.

The French side’s energetic performance outclassed Real Madrid for long stretches with Bruno Genesio’s team consistently applying pressure. Real struggled to create meaningful chances and missed their usual spark. Endrick, who became the youngest player to start for Real in the Champions League at 18 years and 73 days, failed to make an impact. Jude Bellingham also had a quiet night, unable to assert his influence in midfield.

Kylian Mbappé returned from a thigh injury and joined the game just before the hour mark but even his presence couldn’t shift the momentum in Real’s favor. The Spanish giants pressed for an equalizer late on but Antonio Rudiger’s header met a defender on the line and Arda Güler squandered a late chance by heading straight at Lille keeper Lucas Chevalier.

Lille held firm to secure a crucial win while Real Madrid, who had beaten Stuttgart in their opening match will next face Borussia Dortmund in a rematch of last season’s final. Lille will next head to Atletico Madrid for their upcoming match.