Xeka helps Galtier celebrate new Lille deal

Paris (AFP) – Lille coach Christophe Galtier signed a new contract this week and his highflying side celebrated the news with a come-from-behind 2-1 home win over Amiens on Friday.

Galtier, the successor to sacked Marcelo Bielsa, now making waves at Leeds in the English Championship, was rewarded for reviving the fortunes of the club he played for in the late 1980s.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season Galtier has guided Lille into Champions League contention.

This 12th win of the campaign consolidated their hold on second place, with the gap to leaders Paris Saint-Germain cut to 10 points.

Juan Ferney Otero had put the visiting Amiens in front with just five minutes on the clock.

Adama Soumaoro crossed from the right with the ball slicing through the Lille defence to Otero, the Colombian scoring right-footed past the onrushing Lille keeper Mike Maignan.

Their lead lasted until first half injury time, when Rafael Leao fired in Nicolas Pepe’s cross.

Lille went into the break cursing their luck after Pepe’s 39th minute spot kick, awarded after a foul on Leao, flashed wide.

After the break Leao had a header only denied by lightning reflexes from Amiens keeper Regis Gurtner.

And five minutes from time Lille got the winner courtesy of substitute Xeka’s close range header.

On Saturday Cesc Fabregas is set for his home debut as a Monaco player, while PSG look for revenge against their recent Cup conquerors Guingamp.