PARIS: Lens reclaimed top spot from Paris Saint-Germain to keep up their unexpected Ligue 1 title challenge as they beat Rennes 3-1 on Saturday to register a 10th successive home win.
Esteban Lepaul steered Rennes into an early lead in northern France when he slid home a pass from new signing Arnaud Nordin for his 10th goal of the season.
Former Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard brought Lens level before half-time and Ruben Aguilar headed in a cross from Florian Thauvin to put Lens ahead eight minutes into the second half.
Aguilar’s joy was cut short when he was sent off shortly afterwards for a second yellow card, but 10-man Lens held on and grabbed a third goal through ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
Lens have won 10 of their last 11 games in the French top flight and hold a one-point lead over PSG, who host bitter rivals Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
However, Lens coach Pierre Sage said he did not consider his team to be in a genuine title race with PSG and primarily wants to focus on securing European football for next season.
“We’re completely distancing ourselves from that,” he said. “We had a points target in mind and once we’ve reached that we can start drawing up other ambitions.”
Lyon travel to Nantes later on Saturday seeking a sixth straight league win that would send them above Marseille and into third place.
French Cup quarter-finalists Lorient saw their 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions ended by a 2-0 loss at Brest.
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Lens return top of Ligue 1 with win over Rennes
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Lens return top of Ligue 1 with win over Rennes
- Esteban Lepaul steered Rennes into an early lead in northern France
- Aguilar’s joy was cut short when he was sent off shortly afterwards for a second yellow card
PSG’s mental strength hailed as they come from behind to win at Monaco
- The first leg clash between the two Ligue 1 clubs saw Folarin Balogun score twice for the hosts in the opening 18 minutes before Vitinha had his penalty saved to compound matters
MONACO: Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed the mental strength of his side in coming from two goals down to win 3-2 away at Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, but warned the knockout round tie was far from finished.
The first leg clash between the two Ligue 1 clubs saw Folarin Balogun score twice for the hosts in the opening 18 minutes before Vitinha had his penalty saved to compound matters.
But after Desire Doue came on for injured Ousmane Dembele, the match turned and defending champions PSG went on to secure a one-goal advantage for the return leg.
“Normally, when a team starts a match like that, the most likely outcome is a loss,” Luis Enrique said.
“It was catastrophic. It’s impossible to start a match like that. The first two times they overcame our pressure and entered our half, they scored. They made some very good plays.
“After that, it’s difficult to have confidence, but we showed our mental strength. Plus, we missed a penalty, so it was a chance to regain confidence. In the last six times we’ve played here, this is only the second time we’ve won, which shows how difficult it is.”
The 20-year-old Doue scored twice and provided a third for Achraf Hakimi, just days after he had turned in a poor performance against Stade Rennais last Friday and was dropped for the Monaco clash.
“I’m happy for him because this past week, everyone criticized and tore Doue apart, but he was sensational, he showed his character. He helped the team at the best possible time.”
Dembele’s injury would be assessed, the coach added. “He took a knock in the first 15 minutes, then he couldn’t run.”
The return leg at the Parc des Princes will be next Wednesday. “Considering how the match started, I’m happy with the result. But the match in Paris will be difficult, it will be a different story,” Luis Enrique warned.
The first leg clash between the two Ligue 1 clubs saw Folarin Balogun score twice for the hosts in the opening 18 minutes before Vitinha had his penalty saved to compound matters.
But after Desire Doue came on for injured Ousmane Dembele, the match turned and defending champions PSG went on to secure a one-goal advantage for the return leg.
“Normally, when a team starts a match like that, the most likely outcome is a loss,” Luis Enrique said.
“It was catastrophic. It’s impossible to start a match like that. The first two times they overcame our pressure and entered our half, they scored. They made some very good plays.
“After that, it’s difficult to have confidence, but we showed our mental strength. Plus, we missed a penalty, so it was a chance to regain confidence. In the last six times we’ve played here, this is only the second time we’ve won, which shows how difficult it is.”
The 20-year-old Doue scored twice and provided a third for Achraf Hakimi, just days after he had turned in a poor performance against Stade Rennais last Friday and was dropped for the Monaco clash.
“I’m happy for him because this past week, everyone criticized and tore Doue apart, but he was sensational, he showed his character. He helped the team at the best possible time.”
Dembele’s injury would be assessed, the coach added. “He took a knock in the first 15 minutes, then he couldn’t run.”
The return leg at the Parc des Princes will be next Wednesday. “Considering how the match started, I’m happy with the result. But the match in Paris will be difficult, it will be a different story,” Luis Enrique warned.
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