Olivier Giroud fired LOSC Lille to a 2-0 victory against Angers SCO at Stade Raymond-Kopa, opening the Ligue 1 season in style while teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi prepared for a departure to Manchester City.
The 2026-2027 French football season kicked off with a mix of tactical sharpness and transfer market activity for Davide Ancelotti’s squad. While veteran striker Olivier Giroud wasted no time stamping his authority on the pitch, the absence of 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi confirmed that the Northern club is about to cash in on the midfield talent.
Giroud and Santos Strike Early to Silence Stade Raymond-Kopa
Lille arrived in Maine-et-Loire determined to replicate the starting eleven that took the pitch against Everton the previous weekend. Yet the real narrative materialized hours before kickoff when it became clear that Bouaddi, despite making the trip, would not play under Lille colors.
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The Dogues of Davide Ancelotti relied on experience. In the 11th minute, veteran striker Olivier Giroud found himself forgotten in the axis by the Angers defense. The 39-year-old French international unleashed a clinical, 20-meter strike that was imparable for newly-arrived Angers goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (0-1, 11e).
Lille doubled their advantage in the 31st minute following a slick attacking sequence down the right flank. The ball fell to Portuguese Tiago Santos in the heart of the penalty area, who made no mistake in beating his compatriot to cap off a dominant first half for the visitors (0-2, 31e).
The Exit of Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi did not take part in the fixture because his imminent transfer to Manchester City reached its final stages. The 18-year-old Moroccan international is set to sign a five-year deal for a fee of 100 million euros in favor of the Northern club.
Before heading to the dressing rooms, the player went to applaud and speak with the supporters present in number at Angers. The sequence caught the attention of the media and his teammates alike.
Speaking to Ligue 1+ broadcasters at the edge of the pitch, Olivier Giroud admitted the dressing room’s mixed feelings regarding the impending departure of their teammate:
“On perd un super jeune, un super joueur. Mais surtout une belle personne. Et c’était assez émouvant quand il a pris la parole dans les vestiaires… Il va nous manquer. On lui souhaite tout le meilleur,” Giroud said.
Angers Push Back Too Late as Lille Secures the Clean Sheet
Stéphane Gilli’s Angers side refused to roll over after the interval. Trailing by two goals, the hosts increased their intensity and began testing the Lille backline.
In the 73rd minute, Anthony Lopes produced a double-save to deny Hákon Haraldsson from extending the lead. Tiago Santos thought he had bagged a brace shortly after, but the referee signaled an offside against Félix Correia, who was obstructing the Angers keeper on the Portuguese player’s strike.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Davide Ancelotti’s men, beginning their 2026-2027 season on good rails.
