Yilmaz inspires Lille to win over Reims

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:04 am

Burak Yilmaz was in a class of his own as French champions Lille claimed their second victory of the Ligue 1 season with a 2-1 home win over Stade de Reims on Wednesday.

The Turkey striker was a constant threat and set up Jonathan David and Benjamin Andre for the first-half goals which lifted the northerners up to 13th on eight points from seven matches.

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Reims, who once again played nicely but lacked sharpness in front of goal, are 14th on seven points after reducing the arrears through Alexis Flips.

Yilmaz delivered a perfect cross for David at the far post and the Canadian put the hosts in front with a header.

Lille were then on the back foot but made the most of their chances and Andre made it 2-0 two minutes before the break as he headed home from Yilmaz's corner.

Reims, however, found a lifeline in the 74th minute when Flips converted a penalty after Marshall Munetsi was fouled in the area by Sven Botman.