RC Lens breaks its teeth against OGC Nice

Despite conceding three draws in a row, RC Lens is still undefeated in Ligue 1 with PSG, OM and AS Monaco. In front of their audience, the Sang et Or intended to do better and regain victory during a big test against OGC Nice – who remained on a huge victory against ASSE (8-0) – for the 6th day of the championship, in order to stay behind the leading trio. A match which especially marked the return of Franck Haise to Stade Bollaert.

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RC Lens quickly put a lot of pressure on the opposing defense and created a big entry opportunity with a heavy strike from Nzola, deflected by Bulka, then onto the post (10th). Under pressure for 25 minutes, the Aiglons goalkeeper had to deploy after a point-blank recovery from Saïd (12th). Lens could regret its 15 shots on goal without finding a solution, especially since a good sequence from Bouanani forced Samba to relax and push back on his post (28th).

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Better, in the second half, the Azuréens controlled the game more and just after the hour mark, Boudaoui collapsed in the opposing area and was hit by Diouf… but after video analysis, Mr. Letexier confirmed his decision and did not no penalty given (63rd). Shortly after, Clauss tried to forget the action, but Samba diverted his free kick perfectly (65th). And while Bulka and Bamba continued to shine, Lens finished ten after the second yellow received by Zaroury (84th).

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The match became crazy and went from one goal to another, but despite the spectacle, neither team managed to beat the cages of the brilliant Samba and Bulka, while a header from Khusanov was deflected on the line by Clauss (90th). Finally, Nice and Lens separated in a draw which did not suit anyone since the two teams missed the opportunity to catch up with the leading trio and get ahead of the pursuers. Lens (4th) may nevertheless have more regrets, with 20 shots attempted, before a trip to Strasbourg. For its part, the GYM (5th) will host PSG before the break.