Ayase Ueda came off the bench to make an immediate impact, scoring in the 73rd minute as Lille secured a hard-fought victory over Toulouse and moved to the top of the Ligue 1 table.
The Japan international, who joined Lille from Feyenoord during the summer after finishing as the Eredivisie’s leading scorer, needed just a short time to announce himself at his new club. His second-half goal proved to be the difference in a tense encounter and lifted Davide Ancelotti’s side to seven points from their opening three league matches.
Lille found life difficult during the first half, with Toulouse creating some of the more dangerous moments. Venezuela international Cristian Cásseres came close to breaking the deadlock when his effort struck the crossbar.
The hosts also appealed for a penalty, but after a VAR review, their claims were waved away and the game remained goalless at the interval.
Ancelotti then turned to his bench after the break, with Olivier Giroud making way for Ueda. The change quickly paid off.
In the 73rd minute, Ueda found the breakthrough, finishing a move that finally gave Lille the advantage they had been searching for. The goal not only settled a difficult match but also provided an early glimpse of what the Japanese striker could bring to his new team.
Toulouse pushed for a response in the closing stages, but Lille held firm to protect their lead and claim another important three points.
For Ueda, it was the perfect introduction to life at Lille. After arriving with a reputation as one of the Eredivisie’s most prolific forwards, he has wasted little time showing that he can make a difference in France.
And for Ancelotti, the result offers another reason for optimism as Lille continue their impressive start to the new Ligue 1 campaign.
