Soumaré Shines as Le Havre Upset Lille, Climbing Off the Bottom of Ligue 1

Le Havre has reignited their quest for survival in Ligue 1 with a thrilling 2-1 away victory against Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, marking their first win on the road in the top flight since September 1951. This result brings them to within three points of safety.

Desperate for a boost, Le Havre started the match energetically, with Issa Soumare testing Lille’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who made a commendable save to deny an early goal.

Jonathan David, Lille’s standout player, responded by Kicking off the hosts’ chances with a header, but it was comfortably caught by Mathieu Gorgelin.

As the visitors absorbed pressure before halftime, they were eventually rewarded for their disciplined defensive play when they took the lead.

Ahmed Hassan scored just his second goal in eight encounters with Lille, finishing crisply from close range after being assisted by Soumare.

Le Havre nearly doubled their advantage within five minutes of the second half, but Chevalier pulled off an incredible save to deflect Soumare’s diving header onto the crossbar.

However, the Lille keeper was helpless to prevent Le Havre from scoring again shortly after, as a chaotic moment in the penalty area ended with Soumare striking the rebound home after Josue Casimir’s shot hit the post.

Late in the game, Yanis Zouaoui almost made it unforgettable for Le Havre with an audacious long-range effort, which Chevalier managed to tip around the post. The night only grew worse for Lille when a close-range finish from Hakon Arnar Haraldsson was adjudged offside by VAR due to a foul in the build-up.

Chuba Akpom’s late consolation in the 97th minute—his first goal since joining the club—wasn’t enough to change the outcome as Le Havre celebrated a rare away victory. Although they remain in the relegation zone, this first win since late November shouId significantly boost their confidence.

Conversely, Lille’s ambition of securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League took a hit with this only their second league defeat at home this season.