RC Lens-RC Strasbourg Alsace (1-0): 3 Warm Points Secure Victory
A crucial victory for RC Lens! Following the international break, Ligue 1 mcdonald’s returned to Bollaert-Delelis with a top-of-the-table clash against RC Strasbourg Alsace. Lens, boasting 5 consecutive home wins, aimed for a sixth straight success against a Strasbourg side looming in the standings (4th, just 2 points behind Lens). Artesian tactician Pierre Sage fielded the same starting eleven that triumphed in Monaco, with Ismaëlo Ganiou replacing the suspended Jonathan Gradit.
The atmosphere at Bollaert-Delelis was charged, with the stadium paying tribute to deceased supporters and former players. Lens instantly asserted themselves, creating the first prospect within thirty seconds. Florian Thauvin, pressing effectively, dispossessed his defender and faced Mike Penders, but his shot narrowly missed the post (1′).Lens continued to dominate the early stages,winning 63% of duels and demonstrating impactful play. Odsonne Édouard also threatened early, receiving a long throw from Matthieu Udol and cutting inside before unleashing a shot easily caught by the Strasbourg goalkeeper (5′).
strasbourg gradually entered the match, approaching the Lens goal without truly troubling Robin Risser. Possession was fairly balanced (52% for Lens, 48% for strasbourg) and didn’t create critically importent danger for either side (31′). As halftime approached, a promising combination play between Florian Thauvin and Odsonne Édouard on the right flank nearly unlocked the strasbourg defense (38′). inspired by the technical skill of Wesley Saïd and Mamadou Sangaré, Lens pressed forward. Excellent build-up play culminated in Wesley Saïd finding florian Thauvin with a clever pass inside the Strasbourg area, just 5.5 meters from goal. Though, the French international was denied by a crucial intervention from the Alsatian goalkeeper (41′).
Immediately after, Odsonne Édouard, again served by Matthieu Udol, fired a powerful shot that Penders narrowly deflected (43′). Lens continued to build confidence as they headed towards the break.The first half was a tactical battle, with Lens creating the most significant chances at the beginning and end of the period, but unable to break the deadlock. With only 45 minutes remaining, the encounter remained poised for a breakthrough.
