On March 15, 2022, Lille manager Jocelyn Gourvennec issued a passionate call to his players, urging them to channel Real Madrid’s stunning comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as they prepared to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Lille faced a daunting task at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Gourvennec pointed to Real Madrid’s remarkable turnaround on March 9, 2022, when they overcame a two-goal deficit by scoring three goals in 17 minutes to advance, as evidence that “unreal things happen” in the Champions League. “Even if Chelsea appear better than us on paper and are leading, we can still come back. We can still dream,” he declared, instilling belief in his squad for a historic night.
Lille’s Opportunity at Home
Lille entered the match on the back of a goalless Ligue 1 draw against Saint-Etienne on March 11, 2022, showing defensive solidity but struggling offensively. Gourvennec highlighted Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United on March 13, noting, “Chelsea weren’t brilliant against Newcastle but they still won, so it shows that you don’t always have to be good.” He emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “It will be a historic night for us – the chance to go into the last eight in front of our supporters.” Lille’s strong home form, including a 1-0 Champions League win over Salzburg earlier in the season, fueled hopes of an upset against the reigning European champions.
Chelsea’s Off-Field Challenges
Chelsea arrived in France amid significant turmoil following the UK government’s sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich on March 10, 2022, due to his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions froze Chelsea’s assets, placing the club under a special license that restricted spending, including on travel for away games. Abramovich, who put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, 2022, faced further scrutiny, though he denied links to Putin. Despite the chaos, manager Thomas Tuchel vowed to maintain professionalism, stating, “As long as we have shirts and as long as we are a team, we will be competitive and we will fight for our success.” Chelsea’s 2-0 first-leg lead, secured through goals by Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic, gave them a strong position, but the off-field distractions added uncertainty.
Tactical and Mental Battle Ahead
Gourvennec’s strategy hinged on Lille’s attacking 4-4-2 formation, which Tuchel described as “aggressive, fluid, and direct.” Players like Jonathan David and Renato Sanches (before his injury) were expected to lead Lille’s charge, with an early goal potentially igniting the Stade Pierre Mauroy crowd. Chelsea, despite their depth and experience, faced challenges with injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell, though Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva were likely to bolster the defense. The tie’s outcome would depend on Lille’s ability to exploit Chelsea’s vulnerabilities while navigating their own offensive struggles, as evidenced by three goalless outings in their last five matches.
A Historic Opportunity for Lille
For Lille, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time would mark a monumental achievement, especially as underdogs against a Chelsea side that won the competition in 2021. Gourvennec’s reference to Real Madrid’s comeback served as both motivation and a tactical blueprint, emphasizing the need for belief and aggression. As Chelsea grappled with administrative disarray, Lille aimed to seize their moment on March 16, 2022, in a match that promised drama and intensity.
