​​Lens Win Second Straight Thanks to Wesley Saïd

Rennes recorded six shots in the first half, while Lens countered with four. Rennes took the lead with a brilliant goal from Arnaud Kalimuendo, but VAR reviewed it. There was a chance the ball had crossed the line before Mikayil Faye’s cross.

After a VAR review, a handball by Kalimuendo at the start of the play led to the goal being disallowed, keeping the match scoreless. Neither team broke the deadlock, and the game went into halftime with no goals.

The scoreless contest wouldn't last long as the home side would take a one-goal advantage in the 47th minute.

Lens scored off a corner, Neil El-Aynaoui delivered the ball to the near post, where Wesley Saïd was left unmarked by Djaoui Cissé. The Sang et Or striker took advantage, finding the back of the net past Brice Samba to make it 1-0.

Saïd's goal was the only one of the match and that's all Lens needed to secure all three points. Florian Sotoca spoke to DAZN after the victory and shared his thoughts on the positive result for the team.

"It’s a great win. The last 20-30 minutes were tough, but we managed to stay united, just like last week in Marseille. We come away with another clean sheet. After two home defeats, it’s good to get back to winning ways. We knew Rennes were a very strong team. Since the break, they’ve strengthened well. We fought, we hung in there, and our mindset was exemplary."

Following a four match losing streak, Will Still and his squad have won two straight matches and are three points behind Olympique Lyonnais for sixth place, which is the UEFA Conference League spot for next season.

Lens (39 points) will need two results to go their way on Sunday to keep themselves within three points. First, they'll need Lyon to lose against Le Havre and RC Strasbourg to lose against Toulouse FC.

The Stat: 15

After scoring against Rennes, Lens have won 15 of their 18 matches in Ligue 1 McDonald's when Saïd has scored (one draw, two losses). 

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