Lille Halts Angers’ Winning Streak, Lens Bounces Back Against Lorient, Metz Continues Strong Performance at Nantes

After suffering a 2-0 defeat against Nice midweek, Lille aimed to bounce back in front of their home crowd on Sunday. However, it was not an easy task against Angers, who hadn’t lost in three matches and had recently secured a promising 2-2 draw with Marseille. Following an unfortunate performance from goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart against Nice, coach Bruno Genesio welcomed back his first-choice keeper, Berke Özer, who had been ill. For Angers, Alexandre Dujeux opted to start Sidiki Chérif, who had scored in his last three matches, while Prosper Peter returned to the bench after missing the trip to Marseille.

Lille created the best chance of the first half with a low cross from Correia to Bouaddi. Unfortunately, the young midfielder’s shot was blocked by his teammate Fernandez-Pardo. However, Lille eventually found success when Bouaddi moved past the Angers defense and set up Felix Correia, who skillfully finished with his right foot to give Lille a 1-0 lead just before halftime (45+2).

In the second half, Angers pushed hard, but Lille held firm. The victory puts Lille in fourth place, just two points from the podium, marking the end of Angers’ streak, leaving them in 13th place.

Lens Rebounds, Metz Gains Ground

After a surprise 2-0 loss to Gautier Hein and Metz, Lens was eager to perform against Lorient, who had previously held PSG to a draw. Lens took an early lead with Odsonne Édouard’s fourth league goal (6th minute, 1-0). Despite this advantage, Lens faced a spirited challenge from Lorient, needing key saves from goalkeeper Robin Risser and some luck, including a missed penalty by Mohamed Bamba after a foul by Gradit (64th minute). Bamba, who left the pitch right after, was visibly upset on the bench. Wesley Saïd extended the lead with a well-placed shot from a great cross by Udol (77th minute, 2-0). Samson Baidoo capped off the locals’ emphatic win with a header late in the match (89th minute, 3-0). This victory propels Lens to third place, level on points with Marseille.

In other matches of the 17:15 multiplex, Nantes, coming off a spectacular 3-5 loss to Monaco, was stunned by FC Metz at Beaujoire. Giorgi Abuashvili scored after intercepting a poor pass from Tati, finding an empty net (82nd minute, 0-1). Habib Diallo sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time (90th minute), giving Metz their second consecutive victory in the league. Stephane Le Mignan’s team sits 17th, just one point ahead of 15th-placed Nantes. Finally, Toulouse, who had not won in two matches, drew 0-0 against Le Havre at the Stadium. Carles Martinez Novell’s side is ninth while Didier Digard’s team holds the twelfth position.

Results from the 17:15 multiplex:

Lille 1 – 0 Angers: Félix Correia (45+2)

Lens 3 – 0 Lorient: Odsonne Édouard (6), Wesley Saïd (77), Samson Baidoo (89).

Nantes 0 – 2 Metz: Giorgi Abuashvili (82), Habib Diallo (90).

Toulouse 0 – 0 Le Havre