Thauvin shines as Lens keeps top spot in France with win at Nantes
Thauvin shines as Lens keeps top spot in France with win at Nantes
PARIS — Lens stayed atop Ligue 1 after Florian Thauvin was decisive again with the opening goal in a 2-1 win at Nantes on Saturday.
Wesley Saïd scored the winner in the 81st minute as Lens extended its winning streak to five matches.
Youssef El-Arabi leveled the scoring for the host.
Lens moved to the top of the standings for the first time in 21 years last weekend after Thauvin's brace in a 2-1 win at Angers. The 2018 World Cup winner is enjoying a revival since his return to the league from Italian side Udinese this summer.
The 32-year-old winger has five goals and has delivered two assists in 15 league matches. His performances have earned him a recall from France following a six-year absence.
Lens has a four-point lead over defending champion Paris Saint-Germain. Following its second loss of the season at Monaco, PSG later hosted Rennes before a trip to Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League next week.
Lens dominated early and Thauvin put the visitors ahead in the 34th minute with a header from Ruben Aguilar's excellent cross.
Lens could not hold onto its lead for long, though, as Matthis Abline was fouled in the box, giving El-Arabi the chance to level from the spot. Goalkeeper Robin Risser parried away his effort but the 38-year-old forward scored from the rebound.
Lens pushed hard toward the end and finally broke the stalemate when Saïd cut a cross from Matthieu Udol to bag his sixth league goal.
Marseille lags five points behind Lens in third place after losing to Lille 1-0 on Friday. Fourth-placed Lille tied third-placed Marseille on points in the table.
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