With a little more skill and success, and without an excellent Bulka, Lens should have taken the lead at the break. The northerners’ chances continued in front of the Nice goal during the first forty-five minutes, but the Lensois never found the fault. Thus NZola hit the post (10th) before scoring with finesse (21st). The Nice goalkeeper also made a splendid parade in front of Saïd (12th). Fulgini, interesting in his overtures, was less sharp in his attempts. Fortunately for Lens, Samba remained focused to divert a rebound from Bouanani (28th) onto his post.
Despite everything, Nice did well at the break before showing a completely different side with the entries of Clauss in place of Mendy and Dante in place of Mohamed. Much more offensive, the Niçois thought they would inherit a penalty on the hour mark for contact from Diouf on Boudaoui (62nd). But Mr. Letexier believed the opposite. Brice Samba was as vigilant as ever against Rosario (66th), Guessand (82nd) and Clauss (88th).
In the meantime, the match had become tougher. After another decisive save from Bulka against Labeau Lascary (70th), Lens would end the match with ten men with the expulsion of Anass Zaroury. Already warned eight minutes after coming into play, the playmaker lacked control by wiping his sole on Rosario (84th). The scoreboard ultimately did not change and against Nice, Lens shared the points for the fourth time in a row.
