Lille drop points against Metz but remain in European contention
Lille, coached by Bruno Génésio, were held to a scoreless draw by Metz, the bottom side in Ligue 1, missing the chance to create separation in the race for European qualification.
The match opened Matchday 21 with a 0-0 result that suited neither side. Lille failed to strengthen their position in the European spots, while Metz remain stuck in the relegation zone.
Penalty overturned for Lille and disallowed goal for Metz
Early in the match, visiting fans reacted after Matías Fernández went down inside the box, but following a VAR review, the referee overturned the initial penalty call.
Metz experienced a similar moment when Alpha Touré found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after the play was reviewed.
Lille hold European spot as Rennes and Strasbourg close the gap
With the draw, Lille sit fifth on 33 points, a position that currently grants qualification to the UEFA Europa League, but their cushion has narrowed to just two points over Rennes and three over Strasbourg, who are set to face Le Havre.
Metz, meanwhile, remain bottom of the table with 13 points, just one behind Nantes, the last team above the relegation line.
