aggregate. It wasn't until on 21 December 2004 when Makoun scored his first goal of the season against Strasbourg Alsace in the third round of the Coupe de la Ligue, as Lille lost 4–2 in penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw. However, during a 0–0 draw against Sochaux on 5 February 2005, he suffered a knee injury in the 6th minute, resulting in his substitution and was sidelined for a month. It wasn't until on 20 March 2005 when Makoun returned to the starting line–up against Saint-Étienne, as he helped the side draw 0–0. At the end of the 2004–05 season, Makoun went on to make forty–seven appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Reflecting to the 2004–05 season, he said: "I had a great season. If I drew the attention of France-Foot journalists, it is because I have been very consistent. My club, Lille, was aligned on several fronts. We started our season with the Inter-toto cup. After this stage, we were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the Uefa Cup by Auxerre. In the league, we finished in second place, a position that directly qualifies us for the next Champions League. Unfortunately, for the two trophies competing in France, our journey was not very brilliant". At the start of the 2005–06 season, Makoun started the season well when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–3 draw against AC Ajaccio on 8 August 2005. Makoun continued to regain his first team place, playing in the midfield position. His second goal for the side came on 17 September 2005, in a 4–0 win against OGC Nice. A month later on 22 October 2005, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against FC Nantes. His performance against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League earned him praises from the British media. After spending January with his international duty, Makoun returned to the first team, starting the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on 12 February 2006. However, he was then sent–off for a straight red card in the 50th minute, in a 1–0 win against AS Monaco on 26 February 2006. After serving a one match, Makoun returned to the starting line–up on 9 March 2006, helping the side win 1–0 against Sevilla in the first leg of the UEFA Cup. Two weeks later on 25 March 2006, he