Victor Osimhen’s 13th league goal of the season failed to help Lille past Marseille as the Great Danes slipped up in the race for Champions League qualification with a 2-1 loss at home.

With 3rd-placed Rennes having lost at Reims, 4th-placed Lille missed the opportunity to leap-frog past their closest rivals into the last Champions League spot.

The Super Eagles forward had an early chance saved by Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda but eventually put the home side ahead with a fine strike in the second half.

It was the striker’s 18th goal in 35 appearances in all competitions for Lille.

Christophe Galtier’s men thought they had extended their lead six minutes later but Loic Remy’s 57th minute effort was chalked off for offside.

Lille then conceded a penalty in the 60th minute but Mike Maignan save Valentin Rongier’s effort.

Undaunted, the 2nd-placed visitors piled forward in search of an equaliser and their persistence was finally rewarded in the 66th-minute when Reinildo Mandara wrongfooted his own goalkeeper to help Marseille draw level.

Marseille were ahead three minutes later after Dario Benedetto latched on to Valere Germain’s pass to slot home.

The home side searched in vain for an equaliser but their three-game winning streak came to a halt as the visitors held on for their 3rd straight win.

Lille remain in 4th-place with 40 points after 25 games, one point behind Rennes.

Osimhen will expect to get back to winning ways in the league when Lille welcome bottom side Toulouse to the Stade Pierre Mauroy on 22 February.