After their 17-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of bitter rivals Lille last week, Lens were looking to bounce back immediately. The first half, though, began very slowly, with neither side playing with their usual free-flowing, attacking style. In fact, the first chance didn’t arrive until midway through the half when Maxime Estève glanced Téji Savanier’s whipped corner just over the crossbar. Lens dominated possession but struggled to create any clear-cut chances, with their forward players displaying plenty of hesitancy. That lack of fluency was symbolised just before HT when Salis Samed superbly split the Montpellier defence to play Loïs Openda through on goal, but a heavy touch from the Belgian allowed Jonas Omlin to race off his line and gather the ball.
Lens came out a different side at the start of the second half, playing with more urgency and intensity. However, despite the hosts applying increased attacking pressure, the Montpellier rearguard appeared to be dealing comfortably with everything that came their way. With almost 70% possession, Lens continued to probe and finally made the breakthrough in the 70th minute, though it came via an absolute gift from their opponents. Under pressure outside his own box, Savanier poked the ball backwards but, with no other Montpellier player in sight, Wesley Saïd pounced and slotted in.
As Lens protected their one-goal lead, the onus was now on their guests, but the hosts were able to deal with everything La Paillade threw at them as they held on to pick up all three points. The result means Frank Haise's side have won six out of six at home this season, while the visitors have now suffered three straight defeats.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Wesley Saïd (RC Lens)
