After the first round of Ligue 1, PSG were logically the winter champions, but not with the authority that might have been expected. A small team, Racing Club de Lens, is only three points behind and ready to fight with Messi, Neymar, Mbappé and company.
In fact, the ‘Sang et Or’, known for the yellow and red colors, managed to win against PSG 3-1 on January 1, even without Messi after winning the World Cup in Qatar or Neymar due to suspension, in their stadium, Bollaert-Delelis, where they have not conceded a point in ten league games this season.
Lens have lost just one (1-0 at Lille), PSG two, and are the least beaten team in Ligue 1 with just 13 goals conceded, one less than the leader. A credit to Congolese goalkeeper Brice Samba and the rearguard formed by central defenders Jonathan Gradit, Austrian Kevin Danso and Argentine Facundo Medina.
Promoted to Ligue 1 in 2020
The defense of the three was one of the hallmarks of Franck Haise, a coach who arrived from the reserve team in February 2020, achieved promotion to Ligue 1 by finishing second when the competition was paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Haise also focused on pressure in the middle, a line where Seko Fofana from the Ivory Coast stands at 27, and speed in attack. A style of play that makes Lens dream big, whose showcases include just one Ligue 1 (1988) and one League Cup (1999) in its 117-year history.
Loïs Openda, signed last summer from Bruges for 9.8 million euros, is their top scorer with 9 goals. The Belgian striker was advised against playing sports after spending the first of his 22 years in hospital with breathing problems. He, who embodies Lens DNA like no other, is PSG’s executioner with goals and assists.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
