Thauvin's Clinical Finishing Holds Off Angers' Desperate Rally at Stade Raymond-Kopa
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 66/100. In a match of relentless intensity and VAR drama, Lens preserved their title credentials by weathering a second-half onslaught from a Angers side fighting for their Ligue 1 survival.
Thauvin's Brace Establishes Control
Lens dominated the early exchanges with 55% possession, their superior passing accuracy (86%) and movement suffocating Angers' attempts to build from the back. Florian Thauvin struck first in the 45th minute, converting a precise assist from Oihan Edouard to give the visitors a deserved advantage. The French winger doubled his tally at 74 minutes following a cutback from Serge Baidoo, appearing to have sealed the contest. With a rating of 9.2, Thauvin's two-goal masterclass showcased why Lens sit atop the table with 31 points from 14 matches—a commanding 15-point stakes advantage over their hosts.
Djibirin's Goal Sparks Drama, VAR Delivers the Final Blow
Angers refused to surrender. Just 120 seconds after Thauvin's second, substitute Djibirin Harouna—introduced at 65 minutes—pulled one back in the 76th minute to ignite a frantic finale. The balance shifted ominously toward the hosts, whose desperation grew with each passing minute. Then came the VAR intervention at 85 minutes: Prosper Peter had earned what appeared to be a match-altering penalty, only for the pitchside review to overturn the decision. That reversal extinguished Angers' hopes of a dramatic comeback and sealed a crucial three points for the league leaders.
The Numbers Vindicate Lens's Superiority
Beyond the narrative drama, the statistics tell a clear story of dominance: Lens registered 17 shots to Angers' 7, with an Expected Goals advantage of 2.05 to 1.16. The visitors' 8 corners created constant set-piece pressure that the home defence struggled to manage. Angers' 78% pass accuracy and limited attacking threat (5 shots on target) underscored their mid-table status and ongoing relegation battle. This contest at Stade Raymond-Kopa reinforced Lens's credentials as genuine title contenders while leaving Angers (12th, 16 points) staring at the uncomfortable reality of their precarious league position.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
The 85th-minute penalty overturn denied Angers a lifeline. Without VAR's intervention, the momentum would have swung decisively toward the hosts.
What made Florian Thauvin the Man of the Match?
His brace (45', 74') and 5 key passes orchestrated Lens's victory. A 9.2 rating reflects elite-level performance in a title-deciding clash.
What does this defeat mean for Angers' season?
At 16 points from 14 matches, Angers must reverse their form (LWWLD) immediately to escape the relegation zone. Margin for error is vanishing.
Why is this match rated 66/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 66/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.
