Lens edge past Auxerre to move top of Ligue 1 McDonald's

RC Lens moved to the top of Ligue 1 McDonald's on Saturday evening after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AJ Auxerre at a sold-out Stade Bollaert-Delelis, with Wesley Saïd scoring the decisive goal just after the hour mark.

Knowing that three points would allow them to leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain at the summit, Lens showed patience and control against a well-organised Auxerre side that proved difficult to break down for long periods.

Lens frustrated before the break

Despite enjoying slightly more possession in the first half, the hosts struggled to find rhythm in the final third. Auxerre’s aggressive pressing disrupted Lens’ build-up play, limiting clear-cut chances. Adrien Thomasson appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty midway through the half, while Florian Thauvin attempted to inject creativity, without reward.

Auxerre, compact and disciplined, also carried some threat on the counter, ensuring the match remained finely balanced at the interval.

Saïd delivers the breakthrough

Lens returned from the dressing room with renewed intensity. Left wing-back Mathieu Udol emerged as a constant outlet, forcing Auxerre deeper and creating a succession of dangerous situations.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute. Udol delivered an inch-perfect cross to the penalty spot, where Wesley Saïd controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a superb volley past Donovan Léon to ignite Bollaert-Delelis.

It was a moment of quality that reflected Lens’ growing dominance after the restart.

Leaders show their composure

With the advantage secured, Lens managed the closing stages calmly, restricting Auxerre to long-range efforts and half-chances. The home side’s defensive structure held firm, ensuring a clean sheet and another crucial win.

The victory extends Lens’ winning run and sends them top of the Ligue 1 table, underlining their credentials as genuine title contenders as the season gathers momentum.

THE STAT

Wesley Saïd has scored his eighth goal in Ligue 1 2025-26, having only done better in a L1 season in 2017-18 with Dijon (9). This is the 11th time he has scored the opening goal in a Ligue 1 game with Lens, the fourth this season, with 11 wins for RCL.

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