Lille held back by Saint-Ettienne, Sanches injured

Reigning champs Lille was held back at home in a goalless draw by better-looking Saint-Etienne in the French association match. But the match turned out to be a twofold blow to Lille who not only wasted the opportunity to get two more points but lost key midfielder Renato Sanches to injury.

The Portugal international left the match halfway through the primary half with a left thigh injury on Friday. Leaving him uncertain for the Champions League match at home to reigning champs Chelsea on Wednesday, Lille is in a better position with a 2-0 lead from the first half of the Last 16 tie. It was a fifth league game in succession for Lille where they did not yield a goal yet additionally they botched the match to draw nearer to fourth place which is a Europa League spot.