Lille were left disappointed on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season as Metz secured a goalless draw on their return to the top flight of French football.
In what would be a sign of things to come, Johann Carrasso prevented Metz from falling behind in the 10th minute by pushing Simon Kjaer's header just past the post.
Lille continued to dominate the exchanges for most of the first half, but adding the finishing touch proved to be a problem for the hosts as Franck Beria and Ryan Mendes both fired wide from good positions inside the box.
Divock Origi, who recently returned to Lille on loan after signing for Liverpool, was twice left frustrated prior to the interval as he first saw a powerful header saved by Carrasso before nodding the ball wide just a few minutes later.
It proved to be a similar story after the break as Lille's frustration continued, with Mendes seeing a powerful shot parried to safety by Carrasso.
Ventures forward from Metz became more of a rarity as the second half progressed as their stubborn defensive performance took centre stage.
Lille created another clear chance with four minutes of normal time remaining, but Kjaer could only head wide of the post from close range as Metz secured a point.
Callum Mulvihill
