Lille silence Real Madrid: A defeat that prompts reflection 

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Lille surprised by setting up in a 5-3-2 formation: manager Bruno Génésio opting for defensive solidity and looking to exploit Edon Zhegrova's pace on the counter-attack.  
 
Ancelotti, meanwhile, opted for a 4-3-3, with teenager Endrick and Vinícius Jr. flanking Jude Bellingham in attack. The inclusion of Endrick for the first time in the starting eleven sought to provide directness and dynamism, while the midfield trio of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga suggested a physical and combative approach. However, the absence of creative maestro Toni Kroos was noticeable from the outset. 
 
Madrid started the match with a slow and predictable tempo, overusing horizontal passes and failing to create any real danger in front of Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier's goal. Bellingham, expected to be the orchestrator of the team, was anonymous. Endrick, on his debut as a starter, showed glimpses of his talent but lacked connection with his teammates. Vinícius, for his part, was completely nullified by Lille's defence. 
 
Lille, with a well-organised and brave approach, grew into the game as the minutes passed. Zhegrova, incisive down the right flank, was a constant headache for Ferland Mendy. Andriy Lunin, making his Champions League debut this season, had to make two crucial saves to prevent Lille from taking the lead in the early stages. Madrid's clearest chance came 20 minutes into the game, with a shot from Endrick after a great individual move that crashed against Chevalier's body. 
 
The only goal of the first half came on the stroke of half time, following a naive penalty conceded by Camavinga. An unnecessary handball from the Frenchman, after a foul on the edge of the area, allowed Canadian Jonathan David to put the Ligue 1 outfit ahead from the penalty spot. A cold shower for Madrid, who went into the break with more shadows than lights. 
 
Ancelotti's half-time changes, bringing on Fran García for Mendy, failed to ignite Madrid's attack. Desperate, he then introduced Luka Modrić and Kylian Mbappé, but even their combined talents couldn't unlock Lille's resolute defence. Though Modrić brought composure, Madrid remained devoid of ideas in the final third. Only in the dying minutes did Madrid threaten, with Antonio Rüdiger's late double chance their closest call. Lille's tight and tidy defence made it look easy to suppress the current European champions who looked a shadow of their former selves. Ancelotti needs to find a way to make all these world class players connect with each other, or otherwise a top 8 finish in this year’s competition looks in serious doubt.