PARIS (AP) — Defender Ruben Aguilar was sent off moments after scoring his team’s second goal as Lens rallied to…
PARIS (AP) — Defender Ruben Aguilar was sent off moments after scoring his team’s second goal as Lens rallied to beat Rennes 3-1 to go top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.
New signing Allan Saint-Maximin scored a fantastic third goal late on to help Lens move a point ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who plays bitter rival Marseille on Sunday.
France winger Florian Thauvin set up Aguilar for a close-range header with a neat cross from the left in the 54th minute. Two minutes later, the goalscorer received a second yellow card after a clumsy foul from behind.
Despite only ten men remaining, Lens scored again in the 78th when goalkeeper Robin Risser’s long kick was expertly controlled by Saint-Maximin on the left flank. He then beat two defenders as he dribbled at high speed before firing a swerve shot into the corner and celebrating with a summer volley to the back.
Saint-Maximin turns 29 next month. Twelve years ago he was considered a prodigy when he broke through with Saint-Etienne, but his career has failed to live up to expectations despite some fine spells at Nice and Newcastle in the Premier League.
He moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, had an unhappy loan spell at Turkish side Fenerbahce and then played briefly for Club América in Mexico before joining Lens at the end of the summer. winter transfer period.
With Lens in the fight for the competition and French Cup Doubly, he has a chance to relaunch his career.
Striker Esteban Le Paul gave Rennes an early lead with a neat finish after Arnaud Nordin spotted his clever run and played him in behind the left-back.
Lens equalized just before half-time when striker Odsonne Édouard grabbed a long ball and held off a defender before firing through the legs of goalkeeper Mathys Silistrie.
Later on Saturday, Brest host Lorient and a resurgent Lyon will aim for a twelfth straight win in all competitions against Nantes.
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