The RC Lens had to bounce back. After not playing in Ligue 1 for two weeks, they aimed to return strongly. Following a heavy defeat to LOSC in the Nord derby, which was their last outing, Lens had the obligation to win on Friday against Toulouse. With a revamped attack, Lens faced Toulouse with Thauvin, Edouard, and Saint-Maximin on the bench, while Fofana, Sotoca, and Saïd started. Despite Toulouse’s strong start, Lens soon found themselves trailing by two goals early in the match.
Lens turned the tables after Toulouse was reduced to ten men due to a red card. Lens controlled the game, pushing Toulouse back and equalizing through Abdulhamid and Thomasson. With Thauvin’s entry, Lens continued to dominate and secured a late victory with a goal from Ganiou in stoppage time. The win allowed Lens to temporarily close the gap with PSG to one point. Lens had a record-breaking 42 shots on goal, the highest in Ligue 1 in 20 years. In contrast, Toulouse will rue the early red card which ultimately led to their cruel defeat.
Published on 17/04/2026 at 10:42 PM – Updated on 18/04/2026 at 02:06 AM.
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