The 2001-02 campaign was a memorable European adventure for Lille as Les Dogues secured a respectable 5th-place finish in Division 1, which was enough to qualify for the Intertoto Cup. The team's charge was led by the sensational star midfielder Bruno Cheyrou, whose 11 league goals proved vital. The season remains a celebrated chapter for the club as it was defined by their debut in the UEFA Champions League, where they earned famous results against the likes of Manchester United, showcasing their newfound status on the European stage.