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Lille edged out RC Lens 1-0 in the Derby du Nord in Ligue 1's ninth round, with super-sub Olivier Giroud striking in the 86th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.
Lille dominated proceedings in the first half but were repeatedly thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Robin Risser. In the 20th minute, Risser produced a fine stop to deny Soriba Diaoune's header, before the young forward struck the crossbar in the 33rd minute. Shortly before the break, Saud Abdulhamid had Lens' best chance, but Berke Ozer stood firm in the Lille goal.
After the restart, Risser parried two dangerous efforts from Ethan Mbappé, while Lens squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 58th minute. Florian Thauvin found himself through on goal, but Ozer came out on top in their one-on-one duel.
The hosts continued to push for a breakthrough, with Risser keeping out a strike from Hakon Haraldsson. In the 79th minute, recent substitute Giroud flashed a header inches wide of the target.
The veteran striker proved to be the hero with four minutes remaining. Nabil Bentaleb unleashed a fierce long-range effort that Risser could only parry, allowing Giroud to react quickest and turn home the rebound with his left foot.
The victory lifts Lille to second in the standings on 18 points, just two behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Lens remain eighth with 13 points as their three-match league winning streak came to an end.
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