The 2013-14 campaign, led by new manager René Girard, was a highly successful season for Les Dogues as they secured an impressive 3rd-place finish in Ligue 1, clinching a coveted spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds. This achievement was built on the league's second-best defense, conceding only 26 goals, and spear-headed by Ivorian forward Salomon Kalou, whose 16 league goals proved vital in a campaign that marked Lille's strong return to the European elite.