Lille Beats Nantes 2-1 in Ligue 1 Round 17: David and Bentaleb Deliver.

**Lille Beats Nantes 2-1 in Ligue 1 Round 17: David and Bentaleb Deliver**

In a thrilling encounter of Round 17 in Ligue 1, Lille edged out Nantes with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a pair of clinical finishes from their star forwards. The match, played at Stade Pierre Mauro, saw both sides create chances, but it was Lille who ultimately emerged victorious, extending their unbeaten run in the league this season.

The first half was a evenly contested affair, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Nantes came close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute when Gaëtan Laborde’s strike from outside the box forced Lille’s goalkeeper to make a smart save. Lille, on the other hand, relied on their attacking prowess, and it was their star striker David who came alive in the 35th minute. A clever interchange of passes on the edge of the box culminated in David finishing neatly past Nantes’ goalkeeper, giving his side a 1-0 lead.

Nantes responded well and almost leveled the score just before halftime. A powerful header from Khéphren Thuram was saved by Lille’s goalkeeper, who continued to be a pivotal figure in the match. The second half saw Lille take control, and their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Bentaleb, who had been instrumental in the midfield, scored a stunning goal. Bentaleb picked up the ball 25 yards out and, with a powerful left-foot shot, found the top corner, doubling Lille’s lead.

Despite Nantes’ best efforts to push back, Lille’s defense held firm, and the visitors struggled to create clear chances. Thuram had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 85th minute, but his effort from inside the box was saved by the Lille goalkeeper. Nantes’ frustration grew as the clock ticked down, and despite a late surge, they couldn’t find an equalizer.

Lille’s 2-1 victory moves them into fourth place in the league standings, while Nantes drop to ninth. The match highlighted the quality of Lille’s attacking options, particularly David and Bentaleb, who delivered decisive moments in the game. With the win, Lille has shown their resilience and adaptability in the face of strong competition, signaling their intent as a potential contender for a top-half finish this season.