With a considerably reduced squad (11 absent) and against a tough opponent, Lens conceded a rather logical draw in view of the whole game. The RCL is not going backwards, but it is not moving forward either. One of the positive points of the evening: the nets shook again on the Lensois side.
On target in the first period
As against Nice last weekendthe Blood and Gold ideally start the meeting. From a tactical point of view, they come to press the Alsatians very high to prevent them from restarting correctly. This proactive start led to the first goal of the match in the 5th minute. With a perfect opening, Przemyslaw Frawnkowski found Adrien Thomasson launched into the left lane. His deep pass down the middle hits M’Bala Nzola. The Angolan international gets a little confused in the area but manages, somehow, to unleash a floating shot with his right foot. Retractable post. The mystery of this shot belongs to the Lensois striker who signs his second achievement of the season.
An opening score which feels good, but which does not shake the locals. Less than a quarter of an hour later, Sylla was found with a header by Nanasi from a corner and it hit the mark. Alsatian equalization.
Controversies linked to refereeing came to liven up this end of the period, in particular an uncalled foul for a shirt pull on M’Bala Nzola launched against. That might have deserved a red… Stéphanie Frappart lost control of the match a little. In any case, the Artésiens continue their undermining work in the dry cleaners and it will pay off. In the Strasbourg area, Andy Diouf took advantage of Doucouré’s inattention to steal the ball behind his back. The French international hopeful finds an opening with his left foot and slides it between the goalkeeper’s legs. It’s the first goal of the season for the artesian midfielder, finally rewarded.
A logical draw
While we feel RC Lens a little less on their feet in this second act, Johanner Chavez will be the author of a very avoidable foul in the area. A stroller behind Santos’s back and a penalty is whistled in favor of the Alsatians. Diarra takes charge of transforming it and the two Racing teams are tied again as the hour mark comes.
Fatigue is felt. On each side. But one man holds the house like a big man in the central artesian hinge. His number is 25 and his name is Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbek is impressively calm and drives the RCSA attackers, especially Emegha, crazy. When the attack no longer responds, fortunately the defense holds up.
Offensively, things are less precise and fluid than in the first period on the blood and gold side. They always get situations, but, for the most part, do not result in a clear opportunity. All this leads us towards a logical draw. The fifth in a row for Lens which, once again, does not lose, but does not win.
The truce to treat ailments
It’s time to breathe for Racing, 6th in the standings with 11 points at the end of this 7th day of the championship. It’s also time to take care of everyone’s physical problems. There were nine injured before this meeting: Jonathan Gradit (ankle turned in training), Kevin Danso (heart) Neil El Aynaoui (torn hamstring), Hamzat Ojediran (torn hamstring), Jimmy Cabot (knee) , Hervé Koffi (psoas tear), Martin Satriano (cruciate knee ligaments), Sidi Bane (ischios) and Deiver Machado (thigh).
Hoping that this week of truce will allow the bodies to rest. Next meeting for Lens: Saturday October 19 at 7 p.m. in Saint-Étienne. It will obviously be to be experienced on France Bleu Nord!
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