Giroud's spot kick breaks Lille's winless streak in Ligue 1

Experienced forward Olivier Giroud converted from the penalty spot to deliver a 1-0 victory for Lille over Angers on Sunday, lifting them to fifth in the table and ending a run of six games without a win in Ligue 1.

The 39 year old who previously played for Arsenal and Chelsea struck the penalty low into the corner just before the interval, bringing his tally to five goals in the league this campaign.

Their opening success of 2026 returned Lille to fifth position, four points adrift of Marseille and eight from impressive Lyon who occupy the third and final automatic Champions League qualifying berth.

"Most importantly it is three points although it will boost our mindset considerably," commented Lille skipper Benjamin Andre.

Rennes, chasing European qualification, capitalised on last week's 3-1 triumph against pacesetters Paris Saint Germain with a 3-0 away win at Auxerre, keeping them tied on points with Lille.

Nantes reduced their drop zone worries via a 2-0 success hosting Le Havre, as Nice shared a thrilling 3-3 stalemate with Lorient.

Lyon face Strasbourg in Sunday's evening clash on the back of seven successive Ligue 1 triumphs, another victory placing them a mere six points behind summit dwellers Paris Saint Germain ahead of the final 11 fixtures.

Brazilian youngster Endrick, loaned out by Real Madrid, has found the net five times across his six outings for Lyon following his January switch.