**Season's First Win: Lille's Brought Back to Victory with Scored Stoppage-Time Winner against Lens**
Lille secured their first win of the season in a thrilling encounter against Lens, as Alexis Piccini scored a stoppage-time winner to hand his side a 1-0 victory. The match, which was a highly anticipated clash between two ambitious sides, ended in dramatic fashion, with both teams pushing for a winner in the final minutes of regulation time.
**Key Moments from the Match**
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to break down their opponents. Lille had the upper hand early on, with Piccini testing the opposition goalkeeper with a powerful strike. However, Lens responded with a series of attacks, and their star player, Guelor Gueye, came close to breaking the deadlock with a long-range shot that rattled the crossbar. Despite the chances, neither side managed to find the back of the net before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Lens dominate possession, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Lille's solid defense. Piccini remained a constant threat on the right flank, and his persistence paid off in the 94th minute when he capitalized on a defensive error to slot the ball into the net. The goal, which came in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sent the Lille faithful into raptures and ended their winless streak.
**Reaction from the Players and Manager**
After the full-time whistle, there was a mixture of emotions among the players. Piccini, who was named man of the match, expressed relief at finally securing a win, stating, "It’s a great feeling. The team worked hard, and we’ve finally got the reward we deserve." Manager Pellegrini praised his side's resilience, saying, "We played well, and we created chances. The key was to stay patient and wait for the moment to strike."
For Lens, it was a tough defeat to swallow, especially after dominating large swathes of the game. Their manager, Patrick Frégier, acknowledged the difficulty of losing such a late goal, but remained optimistic about his side's progress. "We’ll learn from this and come back stronger," he said.
**Conclusion**
Lille’s first win of the season is a significant boost in their quest for a top-half finish in Ligue 1. The victory, secured in dramatic stoppage time, will give the players confidence heading into their next fixture. Meanwhile, Lens will rue their missed opportunities and look to regroup as they aim to challenge for a spot in Europe. This match will undoubtedly be remembered for Piccini’s heroics and the unforgettable stoppage-time drama.