Lens rally to defeat Rennes and move provisionally top
RC Lens reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 McDonald's – at least temporarily – with a commanding 3-1 win over Stade Rennais at a raucous Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Despite conceding early, the Sang et Or showed composure, character and attacking depth to turn the match around, while Rennes’ difficult run continued, increasing pressure on head coach Habib Beye.
Lens started with intensity and quickly penned Rennes back, but it was the visitors who struck first. Against the flow of the game, Eliot Lepaul was released in behind the Lens defence by Arnaud Nordin and calmly slotted past Brice Samba’s replacement, Mathys Silistrie, to give Rennes a surprise lead after eight minutes.
The goal momentarily quietened Bollaert, but Lens responded immediately, maintaining territorial dominance and pushing Rennes deeper into their own half. Chances followed through Wesley Saïd and Olivier Édouard, though the final touch initially eluded Pierre Sage’s side.
Persistence paid off shortly before half-time. A well-weighted pass from Ruben Aguilar found Édouard, who used his physical strength to hold off his marker before firing a precise right-footed finish into the far corner. The equaliser felt fully deserved and restored momentum to Lens heading into the break.
Lens wasted little time after the restart. Florian Thauvin, influential between the lines, delivered a perfectly measured cross which Aguilar attacked with intent, powering a header past Silistrie to make it 2-1.
Moments later, however, the game swung again. Aguilar was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge, leaving Lens to play more than 30 minutes with ten men. Rennes sensed an opportunity, increasing possession and pushing higher up the pitch.
Saint-Maximin seals it in style
Rather than retreat, Lens continued to play with bravery. Their reward came in the 79th minute and it was a moment that lit up Bollaert. Introduced from the bench, Allan Saint-Maximin latched onto a long clearance, produced a sublime first touch, drove at the Rennes defence and unleashed a powerful strike which Silistrie could only parry into his own net.
The goal ended any remaining doubt and capped a memorable night for the winter signing, who received a standing ovation from the Lens faithful.
Reactions
Florian Thauvin told beIN SPORTS: “We’re on a very good run and full of confidence. Everyone fights for the team, everyone sacrifices themselves. Allan brought us something extra – he was hungry, decisive, and he deserves that moment with the supporters.”
Saint-Maximin, visibly emotional, added: “The coach trusted me and told me to go and score that third goal. The crowd supported me enormously. When a club puts you in the right conditions, this is what you can give back.”
On the Rennes side, frustration was palpable. Habib Beye admitted his team were going through a difficult period but insisted he remains committed: “This is a tough moment. We have to keep working and stay united as a club. I still have the desire and the strength to continue. We must find solutions – together.”
The Stat: a first since opta records began
Robin Risser became the first Lens goalkeeper to deliver an assist in Ligue 1 since Opta began analysing the competition (2006-07) and the fourth goalkeeper to provide an assist in the top-flight this season, after Berke Özer, Mory Diaw and Domink Greif.
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