Ngal’ayel Mukau lit up the Champions League with a dazzling performance, scoring both goals in Lille OSC’s 2-1 win over Bologna FC.
The 20-year-old DR Congo midfielder showcased composure and power, earning Les Dogues a crucial victory in their impressive campaign.
The match started with drama as Bologna’s Thijs Dallinga appeared to have given the hosts an early lead, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside. Lille soon settled into their rhythm, with Osame Sahraoui and Alexsandro coming close to breaking the deadlock. Mukau capitalized on a Bologna defensive blunder just before halftime, firing home after a fortunate deflection for his maiden goal in Lille colors.
Bologna fought back valiantly in the second half, equalizing through Jhon Lucumí’s towering header. Yet, Mukau wasn’t done. Timing his run perfectly, he latched onto a Matias Fernandez-Pardo pass and rifled home the winner, silencing the home crowd.
Mukau’s sensational double underscored Lille’s resilience and bolstered their position as dark horses in this year’s competition.