For the third meeting of the 11th day of Ligue 1, RC Lens hosted Montpellier HSC in a sold-out Bollaert-Delelis stadium, the 13th in a row. Defeated in Lille last week, the men of Franck Haise, extended until 2027, had to revive against a Hérault team in lack of confidence (4 defeats in their last 5 matches). The northern technician took advantage of Frankowski’s return to the right lane while Claude-Maurice was aligned on the left flank of the attack. Olivier Dall’Oglio proposed an eleven with 7 players trained at the club, including young Fayadreplacing Ferri, suspended.
Very quickly in this meeting, the Sang et Or put pressure on the Montpellier and made them retreat in their last third. Nevertheless, the visitors got the first chance through Estève, above the crossbar of Samba (23rd), on a corner from Savanier. The locals woke up in stride and got a few opportunities, but neither Sotoca (29th) nor Openda (35th, 43rd) found Omlin’s frame. Mavididi managed the first attempt on target for his team, quietly captured by Samba (39th). A somewhat long observation round between the two teams.
Said wakes up Bollaert
Upon returning from the locker room, the Lensois, pushed by boiling supporters since the kick-off, showed the same offensive intentions as in the first period, but still lacked accuracy in the last gesture or the last call. The MHSC, meanwhile, struggled to create interesting sequences in the opposing camp, often relying on the genius of their captain Savanier, in vain. Nevertheless, his solid low block managed to disrupt Lensois play and allowed the team to reassure themselves defensively. But on a loose ball from Savanier in front of the area, the incoming Said won his duel against Omlin and opened the scoring (1-0, 68th), his fourth goal off the bench.
The RCL even had the opportunity to double the bet if the control of Sotoca was not too long on the delivery of Cabot (72nd), very restless since his entry into play. The coaching of Haise had almost been doubly winning, but Da Costa narrowly missed the target with his cross shot (78th). On his first ball, Germain just missed the target with his head to cool the artesian lair (81st). Behind, Machado used Fofana’s call to try his luck, deflected by Omlin (82nd). The Swiss goalkeeper also won against the madjer of Sotoca (89th) and the shots of Da Costa (90th, 90 + 5th). Final score, 1 to 0. In the standingsLens is provisional third thanks to these three points before the Classic between PSG and OM on Sunday evening, Montpellier remains 10th before Sunday’s matches.