On a dangerously downward slope for several weeks, RC Lens still has three matches to negotiate to maintain a rank synonymous with qualification for the European Cup. Presentation.
Lorient, a wounded beast
Far from its good 2022/2023 season, Lorient is this time fighting for its survival in Ligue 1. The fault is a failed summer transfer window, including the recruitment of old fallen glories like Benjamin Mendy and Tiémoué Bakayoko. Long on reprieve, Régis Le Bris is finally still in place on the Merlus bench, assisted by a certain Yannick Cahuzac. A little less than a year after his departure from RC Lens for “personal reasons” and an aborted departure for Nice, the former midfielder will return to the Bollaert-Delelis stadium for the first time since his departure. And if there was indeed a start upon his arrival, Lorient remains on five consecutive defeats and thus finds itself relegated three days from the end. A suitable opponent to allow RC Lens to get back on track?
Rennes – RC Lens, a final for Europe?
Sixth with 46 points, RC Lens is two points ahead of the Marseille-Lyon duo and four points ahead of Rennes, its ultimate opponent on the road. It is therefore a potential final for Europe which awaits the two teams. And if the Lensois have been marking time for several weeks, with only one victory in six matches, the Bretons are not doing much better with a single success in the last month of competition (4 defeats). Note that Franck Haise’s squad has not lost at Roazhon Park since its return to Ligue 1 (2 wins, 1 draw). A good omen for next May 12?
Montpellier, finish in style
To end the season, RC Lens will have the right to a final home match, against Montpellier, an opponent who should not play anything more in the last match, its retention being almost certain at the start of this final month of competition. And if Brice Samba’s teammates have recently dropped points in this type of match (editor’s note: defeat in Metz and draw against Le Havre), they will indeed take on the mantle of favorite against an opponent who has not beaten them since. October 2021 (3 wins, 2 draws).
Photo credits: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport
The calendar for the month of May:
May 3: Lorient (D)
May 12: Rennes (E)
May 19: Montpellier (D)
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