Lille edged Marseille 1-0 on Friday in a vital Ligue 1 clash between the sides sitting third and fourth, with Ethan Mbappé’s composed finish proving the difference at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The match opened amid thick flare-induced fog, and Lille struck early after a costly error from visiting goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Mbappé brought down a long pass from Nabil Bentaleb with a brilliant touch, leaving Rulli stranded before rolling the ball into an empty net.
With Lille unbeaten this season after scoring first, Marseille faced an uphill task. The first half offered few chances, producing just three shots apiece.
Marseille pushed harder after the break but failed to test Berke Ozer until the 76th minute, underlining their struggles in attack.
Lille nearly doubled their lead when Hakon Haraldsson led a swift counter, but his final pass was blocked.
Marseille’s best moment came when Mason Greenwood weaved into the box on a solo run, only to see his effort stopped by Ozer.
It proved their first and only attempt on target, highlighting the home side’s disciplined defending.
The result keeps Lille and Marseille level on 29 points after 15 matches, though Lille remain ahead on goal difference.
Genesio’s men now turn their focus to a trip to Auxerre before the winter break.
