Toulouse remain without a win under manager Jens Berthel Askou after Ayase Ueda’s late goal gave Lille a 1-0 victory in Ligue 1.
The hosts created the clearer opportunities for much of the match but were punished for failing to convert them, while Lille held on to secure a fifth successive head-to-head win over Toulouse.
The result leaves Toulouse facing back-to-back home defeats for the first time since April 2025. Lille, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season.
Toulouse had taken the joint-lowest points return after the opening two games of a top-flight campaign this century, but there was little evidence of a lack of confidence during a lively opening at Stadium de Toulouse.
They immediately adopted an attacking approach and came close to taking the lead inside five minutes. Cristian Casseres struck the crossbar with a long-range effort as the home side made a forceful start.
Toulouse continued to apply pressure and Santiago Hidalgo was next to test Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer midway through the first half. Hidalgo’s powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards appeared destined for the corner, but Ozer produced an excellent one-handed save.
Lille almost conceded in unfortunate circumstances when Nathan Ngoy appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area while under pressure from Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Referee Mathieu Vernice reviewed the incident at the pitchside monitor, but after a lengthy check decided the contact did not warrant a penalty, giving Lille a major reprieve.
Toulouse continued to threaten before the interval. Ozer denied Hidalgo from close range and then stood up well to prevent Russell-Rowe from scoring after the forward had broken clear for a one-on-one opportunity.
Lille manager Davide Ancelotti responded to his side’s difficult first half by making two substitutions at the interval. The changes did not transform the visitors into the more dominant team, but they helped slow Toulouse’s attacking momentum.
The second half was a more even contest, with neither side able to sustain control for long periods. Toulouse still looked the more likely team to find the breakthrough, and Rasmus Nicolaisen went close when he rose highest to meet an outswinging corner midway through the half. His header flew over the crossbar.
But Toulouse’s missed chances proved costly with just over 15 minutes remaining. Ueda reacted quickest at the near post to meet Romain Perraud’s cross, converting at the second attempt to put Lille in front.
The home side had an immediate chance to respond when Casper Tengstedt, Ueda’s former teammate at Feyenoord last season, ran through on goal. However, his delicate finish cleared the crossbar.
That was Toulouse’s final opportunity to rescue a point. Lille defended their advantage to the final whistle, leaving Askou still searching for his first victory in charge.
Berke Ozer was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for Lille.
