LOSC must take advantage of this, and not take the easy route.
Rather well off in the draw for the round of 16 of the Europa Conference League and the only members of France involved in the competition, Lille travels to the pitch of the Austrians of Sturm Graz, Thursday evening for the first leg (return next Thursday to Pierre -Mauroy).
A team well within the reach of Paulo Fonseca's men, who finished first in a group, again quite affordable.
The latter, fourth in the French Championship, have alternated between good and bad in recent weeks: they have only won two of their last five matches played in all competitions (3 defeats).
Still undefeated in this European campaign (4 wins, 2 draws), LOSC will take on the status of favorite against the current second in the Austrian championship, transferred from the Europa League.
Sturm Graz had logically been beaten by Sporting Portugal and Atalanta Bergamo but managed to beat the Poles of Rakow Czestochowa on goal difference to finish in third position.
The match between Sturm Gaz and Lille is scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m. this Thursday, March 7.
The match will be broadcast live on RMC Sport 1.