Ngoy Inspires Lille’s Extra-Time Triumph Over Red Star in Belgrade

Key Takeaways:

• Lille completed a 2-0 extra-time victory against Red Star Belgrade to progress to the UEFA Europa League round of 16
• Nathan Ngoy’s decisive goal ended Red Star’s six-match unbeaten run in the competition
• Lille secured consecutive wins across all competitions for the first time in over two months

Lille Overcome First-Leg Deficit in Belgrade

Red Star Belgrade’s impressive six-game unbeaten stretch (W5, D1) in the UEFA Europa League was brought to a close after a 2-0 defeat by Lille following extra time. The French side managed to overturn their first-leg disadvantage to seal their place in the competition’s last sixteen.

Remarkably, the Serbian outfit’s strong run began with a 1-0 victory over Lille during the group stage and was extended with the same scoreline in last week’s knockout-phase play-off opener. However, Lille’s resilience ensured a reversal of fortunes in Belgrade.

120’ I 0️⃣-2️⃣

𝑸𝑼𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑭𝑰𝑬́𝑺 🤩

Battus à l'aller, nos Dogues ont renversé l'Étoile Rouge de Belgrade pour obtenir leur ticket pour les huitièmes de finale d'@EuropaLeague, au bout de la prolongation 🏆

Rendez-vous demain pour connaître notre adversaire : @AVFCOfficial ou… pic.twitter.com/50WZSEXkRJ

— LOSC (@losclive) February 26, 2026

Early Exchanges and Tactical Changes

Red Star made their attacking intent clear from the outset, registering the contest’s opening attempt within the first ninety seconds, though Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer comfortably dealt with the effort. Yet it was Lille who stunned the home crowd at Stadion Rajko Mitic just four minutes in, as Benjamin Andre picked out Olivier Giroud with an accurate cross, enabling the 39-year-old to head home the crucial opener.

Red Star struggled to respond before half-time, with their approach often hindered by loose passing and lapses in control. Lille, in turn, maintained composure at the back. The visitors almost handed Red Star an opportunity when Ozer’s risky pass was intercepted near his penalty area, though he avoided punishment. At the other end, Giroud was denied a second goal by Matheus, and the Red Star goalkeeper also kept out two efforts from Matias Fernandez-Pardo, preserving the narrow margin at the break.

Substitutions and Missed Chances

Seeking more threat, Red Star coach Dejan Stankovic introduced a double substitution at the interval, including the addition of Marko Arnautovic, scorer of the winner in the previous group encounter with Lille. The home side increased their pressure, but it was not until the 78th minute that Ozer produced a vital save from Seol Young-Woo.

As regulation time drew to a close, Vasilije Kostov surged down the right in a promising break but could not supply the required composure, delivering the ball straight to Ozer, which kept the aggregate scores level after 180 minutes and sent the tie into extra time.

Ngoy’s Moment Seals Qualification

Lille found the breakthrough in the 99th minute when Romain Perraud’s clearance was flicked on by Giroud to Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who advanced to the byline and set up Felix Correia. Correia, in turn, played the ball to substitute Nathan Ngoy, allowing him to finish confidently. Red Star defender Rodrigão may feel he could have done more to prevent the strike.

Coach Stankovic sought to claw back the deficit by introducing Aleksandar Katai, but despite a late Arnautovic header and Matheus denying Correia, the Serbian champions were unable to produce an equaliser. The outcome marked the first defeat for Stankovic since his December appointment and ended Red Star’s undefeated sequence in Europe.

Lille’s Form Resurrected

This victory delivered Lille their first consecutive wins in over two months, reigniting their campaign across all fronts.