ligue1-logo
Match Reports

Lens edge Nantes in Beaujoire thriller

Under pressure against a combative FC Nantes, RC Lens edged the hosts 2-1 at the Stade Beaujoire to move four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 McDonald's.
E. DEVIN
Published on 12/06/2025 at 18:05
2-minute read
Florian Thauvin continued his strong start to the season with a brilliant header in the first half.

Under pressure against a combative FC Nantes, RC Lens edged the hosts 2-1 at the Stade Beaujoire to move four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 McDonald's.

Lopes keeps Lens at bay

After Marseille's loss to Lille the day before, RC Lens had a massive opportunity on Saturday evening to extend their lead at the top of the table, but to do so they would have to face a dangerous Nantes side at the Stade Beaujoire. In addition to a fiery atmosphere, Pierre Sage was without the suspended pair of Morgan Guilavogui and Adrien Thomasson, the latter of whom has been integral to Le Sang et Or's strong start, forming a strong partnership with Mamadou Sangaré.  

From the off, though, Lens had the bit between their teeth, and Malang Sarr forced Anthony Lopes into a fine save at a corner (6'). Seven minutes later, the veteran came up trumps again, keeping out Odsonne Édouard after the striker had brought down a cross by Florian Thauvin. From there, the match settled somewhat, but just past the half-hour, Thauvin would score with a brilliant header to give his side the lead.

Said seals the win

It was a lead that wasn't held for long, though, as the hosts won a penalty. Youssef El-Arabi's effort was saved initially by Robin Risser, but the veteran did well to follow the rebound to make it one-all (38'). In stoppage time, Lopes had to be sharp again to keep out Sangaré, and the match would reach the interval with the two sides level. The first part of the second half was lively, but without many chances, but Lens slowly ratcheted up the pressure, winning a rash of corner kicks as the match entered the final twenty minutes.

In the 77th minute, Lens thought they had a winner from one of these corners, but the offside flag was up, dampening the joy of Wesley Saïd. But the veteran attacker, captain on the evening, would take advantage moments later, connecting with a fine cross by Matthieu Udol (81') to put his side ahead with his fourth goal in five matches. The match's final stages were devoid of any big opportunities as Lens gratefully saw out a win that sees them hold on to first place ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's match against Stade Rennais later this evening. As for the hosts, despite their efforts, they remain in the relegation playoff spot ahead of Metz and Auxerre playing tomorrow. 

The stat: 8

With six goals and two assists, Saïd has been involved in eight goals this season in Ligue 1 McDonald's, his best since the 2017/18 season with Dijon (nine goals, two assists).

Read more:

>> Mbappé on target again to power Lille over OM
>> Matchday 15: 5 Things to Watch

ligue1-logo
Squads overview