Chelsea's Champions League opponents Lille held to a goalless draw

Lille 0-0 St Etienne: Renato Sanches hobbles off injured as Chelsea’s Champions League opponents are held to a goalless draw by Ligue 1 strugglers ahead of second leg next week

  • Reigning Ligue 1 champions Lille were held to a goalless draw by St Etienne
  • The game was a tight affair with few clear-cut chances at Stade Pierre-Mauroy
  • Lille will now host Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16 second leg
  • Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side lost 2-0 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last month

Lille prepared for their Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea with a 0-0 draw against struggling St Etienne. 

It was a tight affair with few clear-cut chances at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with the result leaving the reigning Ligue 1 champions sixth in the table. 

While a fifth consecutive clean sheet in the league will please Jocelyn Gourvennec, Lille’s struggles in front of goal – they had just two shots on target – may be cause for concern. 

Renato Sanches was forced off injured in the first half, making him a doubt to face Chelsea

Lille pair Xeka and Jonathan David compete for the ball with St Etienne’s Harold Moukoudi

They will also have been worried by the sight of midfielder Renato Sanches being forced off injured in the first half, making him a doubt for the game against Chelsea.  

The Blues will travel to France on Wednesday night, having won 2-0 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last month.   

St Etienne will be much happier with the point as it moves them up to 16th, two points above the relegation zone. 

Midfielder Xeka intercepts the ball off St Etienne defender Thimothes Kolodziejczak

Winger Jonathan Bamba tries to make something happen for Lille down the right hand side




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