Lille’s Europa League campaign took another difficult turn in Spain as an enforced tactical gamble saw Aïssa Mandi deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role during defeat at Celta Vigo.
The French side were beaten for a third consecutive match in all competitions on Thursday night, a setback compounded by an early injury to Nabil Bentaleb and a reshuffle that underlined the strain on Bruno Génésio’s squad.
Facing mounting pressure in the group standings, Lille left Galicia with more questions than answers after an evening shaped by misfortune and improvisation.
The match turned problematic almost immediately for the visitors. Algerian midfielder Bentaleb, making his first start since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, was forced off in the ninth minute after a heavy fall left him clutching his shoulder.
The former Tottenham player was unable to continue, prompting immediate concern among Lille’s medical staff. Further examinations are expected to determine the extent of the injury, with the club offering no definitive timeline for his return.
With limited options available, Génésio opted for an unexpected solution. Defender Aïssa Mandi was introduced from the bench and asked to operate in a box-to-box midfield role, a position far removed from his customary duties at the back.
The decision reflected Lille’s mounting injury list and the absence of several natural midfielders, leaving the coaching staff with little room for manoeuvre.
Despite the unfamiliar setting, Mandi approached the task with composure. The 32-year-old focused on positional discipline, offering defensive cover and helping to restore some structure in the centre of the pitch.
While his contribution lacked attacking flair, it provided a degree of stability during a turbulent period of the match, as Lille struggled to regain control against an energetic Celta side.
Observers noted Mandi’s willingness to adapt for the collective good, an effort reflected in solid post-match ratings.
His display highlighted both his versatility and professionalism, even as Lille laboured to impose themselves and slipped further into difficulty in their European campaign.
For Lille, the defeat leaves little margin for error heading into the final group fixtures. With Bentaleb’s fitness now in doubt and squad depth being tested, Génésio may yet be forced into further tactical compromises.
As the pressure builds, the club’s ability to respond to adversity could prove decisive in determining whether their Europa League journey continues beyond the group stage.
