Lens extended its impressive unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to eight games with a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Clermont at the Stade Gabriel Montpied on Saturday. The match was marred by ill-temper, with three red cards and a heated exchange between players and officials.
Lens took the lead early on through club-record signing Elye Wahi, who headed home from a corner in the 11th minute. However, Wahi’s joy was short-lived as he was sent off in first-half stoppage time following a heated verbal exchange with Clermont defender Alidu Seidu. Seidu was also shown a straight red card, and the incident also led to Clermont coach Pascal Gastien being sent off from the dugout.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Lens controlled the second half and added two more goals to seal the victory. Midfielder Adrien Thomasson doubled their lead in the 50th minute after a poor clearance from Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw. Striker Wesley Saïd then added the third goal in the 82nd minute with a low shot.
Lens’ victory moves them one point behind fifth-place Reims ahead of Sunday’s games. It is a remarkable turnaround for the club, who lost four of their first five matches of the season.
In Saturday’s other Ligue 1 match, Marseille fought back from an early deficit to draw 1-1 at Strasbourg. Veteran striker Kevin Gameiro had given Strasbourg the lead in the 6th minute, but France left back Jonathan Clauss equalized for Marseille in the 27th minute.
