Lens holds off Paris FC in a pulsating Stade Bollaert-Delelis classic

Sehenswert Futmetrix-Wertung: 54/100. In a six-pointer that pits a title contender against a relegation battler, this Ligue 1 clash delivers the kind of drama that defines a season's trajectory.

Early fireworks set the tone

From the opening whistle at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Intensity crackles through the pitch. Lens seizes control early, with O. Edouard capitalizing on Adrien Thomasson's precision pass to open the scoring at the 17th minute. Paris FC, undeterred, strikes back within moments. P. Lees-Melou levels the Balance at 1-1 courtesy of I. Kebbal's assist. Three lead changes in under an hour—the Stakes escalate with every goal.

Sarr's fortress, Baidoo's finishing touch

Malang Sarr emerges as the match's orchestrator, delivering a commanding 8.0-rated defensive masterclass. The centre-back's positioning and distribution anchor Lens's second-half dominance. At the 64th minute, Samson Baidoo seals the verdict with his second-half strike, again assisted by the tireless Thomasson. Two assists for the midfielder—a creator's performance that turns possession into points. Lens fires 11 shots to Paris FC's 9, yet the conversion rate tells the story: efficiency trumps volume.

Three points that reshape the table

Victory lifts Lens to 4th place with 16 points from 8 matches, cementing their status as title contenders. Paris FC remains mired in 11th, adrift on 10 points despite controlling 57% possession. At Stade Bollaert-Delelis, local pride and clinical finishing proved the decisive factors—a reminder that in football's crunch moments, execution eclipses dominance.