Teenage Portuguese forward on the scoresheet yet again as Lille consolidate 2nd in Ligue 1

Rafael Leão got himself yet another goal as Lille earned a 3-1 victory over Caen in Ligue 1 to maintain their outstanding start to the season.

Leão’s goal came after just 20 minutes of the game, extending Lille’s lead to 2-0 after running off the last defender before rounding the keeper to slot home.

The goal marks Leão’s third in his last three league appearances, having netted against both Toulouse and Nimes just before the winter break, and is clearly hitting form at just the right time for his French club.

Jose Fonte, who has been made captain of the club, played the entirety of the match, while fellow Portuguese defender Edgar Ié remained on the bench throughout the fixture.

Meanwhile Xeka, who has been a regular in midfield for Lille this season, was left out the squad entirely for a second match in a row, while fifth Portuguese member at the club Rui Fonte, on loan from Fulham, was also not included in the matchday squad.

The result means that Lille extend their advantage in second place in the French top flight, sitting 4 points above 3rd place Lyon, and ten points behind PSG in first. PSG do, however, have 3 games in hand.

Leão joined Lille in the summer for free after rescinding his contract with Sporting in the aftermath of the violence at Alcochete.