Lens beat Nice 2-0 to move back above PSG in Ligue 1, ensuring they will be top over the winter break as Nice’s crisis deepens
RC LENS reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 with a 2-0 victory over crisis-club Nice on Sunday.
Odsonne Edouard scored a brace with headers in the 15th and 57th minutes to secure a sixth consecutive league win for Pierre Sage’s side.
The result moved Lens to 37 points, one ahead of reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’ve been defending (top spot) for the last three matchdays and (it was) a great performance that we’ll try to maintain,” said Lens coach Sage.
“We’ll be celebrating Christmas in first place, which is wonderful for everyone in the area.”
The victory condemned Franck Haise’s Nice to a ninth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
Nice also face upcoming home matches with crowd restrictions due to repeated crowd disturbances earlier in the season.
Elsewhere, Marseille moved back into third place with a 1-0 win over Monaco at the Stade Velodrome.
Mason Greenwood scored the winner in the 82nd minute after Monaco had two goals controversially disallowed.
“I don’t want to discuss refereeing decisions,” said Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli.
Lille won a 4-3 thriller at struggling Auxerre with Benjamin Andre scoring an 86th-minute winner.
“Despite being outnumbered and trailing on the scoreboard, we knew we could come back,” said Lille coach Bruno Genesio.
Strasbourg were held to a goalless draw at home to Lorient.
In the day’s early kick-off, Lyon beat Le Havre 1-0 thanks to a goal from Pavel Sulc. – AFP
