TOPS
The Cash full-back, best offensive weapon
Matty Cash could have been sanctioned after a possible handball in the penalty area during extra time. But history will remember that he was Aston Villa's best offensive player. A shame for a right-back. The English defender allowed his team to come back to 2-1 with a nice shot from the right (87th). He was helped a lot by Lille, Bentaleb and Chevalier who collided at the start of the action. His goal sent both teams into overtime. And during the penalty session, he took responsibility by firing under the whistles of the 45,000 Lille supporters present at Pierre Mauroy, determined to distract him. In vain, he deceived Lucas Chevalier by force.
Pierre Mauroy, the twelfth man
In turmoil since the entry of the 22 players onto the pitch, the 45,000 Losc supporters present in Villeneuve d'Ascq made their voices heard. And when Yazici opens the scoring (15th), they exult. Before putting the cover back in the 67th minute following the goal of his captain Benjamin André. The beauty of football takes you through all the emotions. The Lille public understood this well. 5 minutes before a historic qualification for the semi-final of the European Cup, Cash's goal chills an entire nation. But the supporters, who came in large numbers, were not discouraged and pushed their team into full doubt during overtime. Not rewarded after his XXL performance, Lille and its unfortunate captain Benjamin André were able to count on the support of theirs despite the terrible disillusionment.
FLOPS
Wanted notice launched to find Watkins
Was Aston Villa's top scorer on the pitch this evening? If Ollie Watkins was in Unai Emery's starting XI, on the pitch he was ghostly. Author of the best season of his career, the English striker did not create the slightest opportunity this Thursday, rare enough to underline it. During the penalty shootout, he appeared in front of Lucas Chevalier second, after Tielemans. His converted penalty did not save his disastrous quarter-final.
Mr Kruzliak disgusts Lille
For 90 minutes, the Slovak referee managed his match perfectly. On the collision between Chevalier and Bentaleb, Lille asked for a stroller but Mr. Kruzliak did not give in to the pressure (87th). A good decision made. It is difficult to say the same about the one that occurred in the second overtime period (113th). Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash appears to touch the ball with his hand after a cross from a Lille player. In the images, the situation is confusing. The Pole expanded his area of intervention with his arm. There is good contact between the defender's hand and the ball, but the referee does not flinch. And what does the Var say? Nothing. An injustice which may have cost Losc qualification.