Olivier Giroud scores stunning long-range goal on Lille debut
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring for Lille against Angers with a precise strike from outside the box in the 11th minute.
La célébration des Lillois après l'ouverture du score d'Olivier Giroud. (G. Le Goff /L'équipe)
Olivier Giroud made a perfect start to his season with Lille, finding the back of the net in his first Ligue 1 match against Angers at the Raymond-Kopa stadium. The striker opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the encounter.
The goal originated from a turnover on the left flank. Nabil Bentaleb picked out Giroud in the center, and the forward turned quickly before unleashing a powerful low shot from about twenty meters out. The ball found the bottom corner of the net, leaving the Angers defense static.
Angers goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was caught off guard by the strike and could not reach the ball in time to make a save. The goal marked one of Giroud's first touches of the match, once again highlighting his clinical efficiency in front of goal.