Lille snatch late equaliser against FC Krasnodar, Europa League fate in doubt

FC Krasnodar and Lille have both failed to boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Europa League following a 1-1 draw in Russia.

Both sides were evenly matched in the early stages of the first half after Nolan Roux tried to open the scoring for the French outfit in the fourth minute, but he missed the target.

© Getty Images

Vincent Enyeama was forced into action when Artur Jedrzejczyk launched a shot, but the Lille shot-stopper was able to keep the ball out of danger.

The breakthrough was eventually made in the 35th minute when Pavel Mamaev flicked the ball into the path of Ari, who was able to clip it over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Roux kept trying to cause trouble for the home side after going behind, but Krasnodar continued to keep the visitors out as they reached the end of the first half unscathed.

David Rozehnal had a great opportunity to level the scoreline after the break, but Andriy Dykan did enough to keep the ball out of the net.

Lille stepped up their game as the half continued, but they failed to break down Krasnodar until Florent Balmont delivered a well-placed cross towards the head of Roux, who powered the ball behind the keeper.

As it stands, both sides are unable to qualify for the knockout rounds, while Everton have automatically moved into the next phase.