Sooner or later, Actual Madrid most likely needed to lose a dramatic European tie. And on Wednesday night time, it lastly occurred, a poor Blancos facet falling 1-0 to a mightily spectacular Lille – their Champions League magic nowhere to be discovered.

It was a signature efficiency from the house facet, who had been organised on the again, medical on the proper moments, and rode their luck at occasions to see off a European big. Los Blancos, in the meantime, lacked concepts and intent till late on – and easily could not conjure a aim.

Endrick got here closest for Madrid early on, darting by the defence earlier than seeing his shut vary effort effectively denied by the goalkeeper. Lille, too, had an excellent likelihood, however Andriy Lunin – in for the injured Thibaut Courtois – denied Jonathan David’s free header.

David made no such mistake on the stroke of half time, smashing a penalty into the highest nook after Eduardo Camavinga dealt with the ball contained in the field.

Los Blancos left it late to create. A flurry of possibilities did not arrive till the ultimate minutes, with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr each coming shut. Kylian Mbappe – introduced on with half-hour remaining – additionally provided attacking concepts, however the Lille aim would not be breached.

These video games seldom occur for Madrid. There’s normally the late aim, or dramatic second. Solely this time, it did not fairly arrive.

GOAL charges Actual Madrid’s gamers from Stade Pierre-Mauroy…