Lille celebrate first title win in 57 years

Lille secured their first French league title since 1954 with a game to spare on Saturday thanks to a 2-2 draw at Paris Saint Germain.

That point, and second-placed Marseille’s 2-2 draw at home against Velenciennes, means Rudi Garcia’s men top the table by six points with one game remaining.

The win capped of a memorable season for Lille and ensured a domestic double after their 1-0 win over Paris Saint Germain last Saturday in the Coupe de France final.

Defender Adil Rami said the double was just reward for his side’s hard work over the course of the season.

“It was a tough season for us with a lot of pressure,” Rami said.

“We had been leading the Ligue 1 championship since December, losing it for only one week in April, so it means that we knew how to keep strong.”

“I guess we are the best offense and defence which means that the team was pretty balanced.”

“That’s a fantastic week, winning the French cup and the league within a week, that’s a dream.”

“It has been for years playing all together, we do know each other very well, our weaknesses, our strengths, and today it is the direct reward of our hard work.”

Senegalese striker Moussa Sow, whose 22 goals were instrumental in leading Lille to glory in this campaign, paid tribute to the club’s travelling fans and said their title win had sparked a huge party in the city of Lille.

“What a joy, I cannot explain it. It’s much better than the one for the French cup last week, it’s so great that we will never forget it,” Sow said.

“Yeah we know that it is totally crazy in Lille right now, people are having fun all over the city.”

“You know the fact that our fans came to support us here in Paris at Le Parc des Princes means a lot, we really appreciate and enjoy that.”