There was a top match at La Gaillette this afternoon! RC Lens (1st) hosted Paris Saint-Germain (3rd). Both teams had the same number of points at kick-off (15). It was the perfect opportunity to create a gap after 8 rounds of the championship, and they did just that with a 2-1 victory.
A handful of PSG ultras had made the journey specifically for this occasion.
In the early stages of the game, clear chances were rare. Rayan Fofana missed a header from two meters out (20th minute). Boukemouche was there to deny Mbappé after a perfect combination on the right side from a corner (27th minute). His counterpart responded with a save on Fofana’s shot (31st minute). The biggest chance came just before half-time when Yannick Sidibé found space behind the defense, but Laurendon was on the trajectory (45+3rd minute).
Bermont and Ganiou shining brightly
It only took a few minutes for Anthony Bermont to convert his strong first half into a goal. Ganiou’s shot was saved by the Paris goalkeeper, but Bermont was there to pounce. He smashed the ball into the top corner before Laurendon could react (1-0, 46th minute). However, the lead was short-lived as Paris equalized through Bensoula (1-1, 49th minute).
The Sang et Or took advantage of another well-taken free kick to make their mark. This time it was Ismaelo Ganiou who stood out, sending the ball into the back of the net (2-1, 59th minute). With great composure and calmness, the Artésiens secured the victory and further consolidated their first-place position. The PSG ultras, at times vehement, stopped singing and left the stadium.
Yohan Demont’s reaction
“We know that Paris has great qualities. Beyond the result, what pleases me is the response at all levels. It’s good, it’s enriching for our players to compete against teams like that. We could have had a bit more control at times. But there was desire, solidarity. It allowed us to score 2 goals after changing the system at halftime. The young players are very happy, beating Paris is always enriching. There was a crowd, a kop, it was an enjoyable match. It’s also a good streak, sometimes we rotate players and we still manage to be productive.”
Match details
Lens – Paris SG: 2-1 (0-0)
Goalscorers: Bermont (46th minute), Ganiou (59th minute) for Lens. Bensoula (49th minute) for Paris.
Yellow cards: Ganiou (64th minute), Sagnan (67th minute) for Lens. Nhaga (64th minute) for Paris.
Lens: Boukemouche, Lenne, Escoufflaire, Ganiou (c), George (Rolland 83rd minute), Sagnan, Dewaele, Ducourtioux (Malfoy 79th minute), Sidibé (Aouad 46th minute), Bermont, Fofana (Boua Dié 79th minute).
Paris SG: Laurendon, Kissanga, Nhaga, Bagnonon (c, Ardjani 37th minute), Adonis, Diaby, Fanne, Mbappé, Bensoula, Michut, Mendy.
