Stade Brestois and Lille OSC kicked off the new Ligue 1 season with a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Stade Francis Le Blé. All eyes were on Olivier Giroud’s long-awaited Ligue 1 return, but it was Kamory Doumbia’s stunning double that stole the spotlight.
A Dream Start for Giroud
The script was set perfectly for Giroud. Just 11 minutes into the game, the 2018 World Cup winner marked his debut in Lille colors with a goal. Félix Correia delivered the ball exactly where Giroud wanted, and without hesitation, the striker smashed it low into the net.
Minutes later, Lille doubled their lead. A poor pass from Hugo Magnetti left Brest captain Brendan Chardonnet exposed, and Hákon Arnar Haraldsson pounced on the mistake. The Icelandic midfielder raced into the box and fired home, giving Lille a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Doumbia Sparks Brest Comeback
Despite trailing, Brest never gave up. Lille’s shaky defending was punished when Romain Del Castillo’s cross caused chaos in the box. After rebounds and deflections, the ball fell to Kamory Doumbia, who smashed it in from close range to make it 2-1.
The second half brought more drama. Lille’s defensive injury crisis forced Ousmane Touré into action, but Brest exploited his flank. Mama Baldé’s run opened the space, and he squared for Doumbia, who blasted home his second of the night to level the game 2-2.
Controversy and More Goals
The match turned chaotic when Ngal’ayel Mukau restored Lille’s lead from a corner. Confusion reigned after the assistant referee raised his flag, and players stopped momentarily, but following a review, the goal stood — leaving Brest furious.
That fury quickly translated into brilliance. Defender Julien Le Cardinal latched onto a long pass from Kenny Lala, controlled beautifully, and volleyed past Berke Özer. It was a stunning goal, sealing an electric 3-3 scoreline.
Substitute Ayyoub Bouaddi nearly stole it for Lille in injury time, but Brest keeper Radoslaw Majecki made a crucial save to secure the draw.
Brest Player Ratings
- Radoslaw Majecki – 4: Beaten too easily for three goals.
- Bradley Locko – 4
- Brendan Chardonnet – 4
- Julien Le Cardinal – 6: Scored a superb goal.
- Kenny Lala – 6: Strong assist for Le Cardinal.
- Hugo Magnetti – 4
- Pierre Lees-Melou – 5
- Kamory Doumbia – 8: Man of the Match. Two goals and unstoppable in midfield.
- Mama Baldé – 7
- Ludovic Ajorque – 6
- Romain Del Castillo – 7
Lille Player Ratings
- Berke Özer – 4: Nervous debut, error-prone.
- Romain Perraud – 6
- Alexsandro – 4
- Nathan Ngoy – 4
- Ousmane Touré – 3: Struggled badly, exposed at right-back.
- Benjamin André – 5
- Ngal’ayel Mukau – 5: Scored but still inconsistent.
- Félix Correia – 5: Assisted Giroud’s opener.
- Hákon Arnar Haraldsson – 7: Constant attacking threat.
- Marius Broholm – 4 (replaced by Matias Fernandez-Pardo – 5)
- Olivier Giroud – 7: Scored early, led well but tired late.
