The short 2-1 success achieved Sunday against Dijon, during the 26th day of Ligue 1, gives Lens its first home victory of the year 2021. Better, it is synonymous with 5th provisional place in the standings, and potentially d 'Europe.
Despite its 7th place at kick-off, and with 6 matches without defeat in all competitions, Racing had been waiting since December 23 to regain success at Bollaert-Delelis.
Franck Haise's proteges were less enterprising and less pressing than usual, but that was nevertheless enough to overcome the voluntary but limited Burgundians.
This victory opens a little more the European prospects of the Sang et Or (5th, 40 pts) and pushes the DFCO towards Ligue 2 (20th, 15 pts).
Dijon coach David Linarès decided to field 8 defensive players in order to resist as best as possible to bring back a first point since January 24.
Well disciplined, they could have opened the scoring through Aboubakar Kamara (4th) if Jean-Louis Leca had not come out authoritatively in the feet of the ex-Amiénois.
Too passive, Lens was revving up in the heart of the first act.
Gaël Kakuta (23rd) and Cheick Doucouré (27th) made Anthony Racioppi shiver but did not fit.
Seko Fofana, he perfectly adjusted his acrobatic recovery following a cross from Jonathan Clauss badly returned (1-0, 30th).
But the surprising Lensoise sufficiency allowed the Dijonnais to believe in it.
Bruno Ecuele Manga first called on Jean-Louis Leca (48th), then Glody Ngonda equalized (1-1, 61st) with the help of the post.
The locals were then able to count on the decisive entry of Simon Banza (63rd).
His first ball, from the head, made the nets of Racioppi (2-1, 64th) tremble and gave the 3 points to his teammates.
Dijon, poorly paid, even had to finish at 10 after the logical expulsion of Kamara (74th) following a sole on Jonathan Gradit.
The very good shot from Metz to Nice
Metz, winner in Nice (2-1) also made a good operation in the race for Europe, while plunging his opponent of the day into the crisis.
Without making any noise, Metz is having a very good season.
Now 6th with 38 points, as many as Marseille, Rennes and Montpellier, but a better goal difference, Frédéric Antonetti's men will be able to end their season with greed.
Starting with their trip to Bordeaux, next Saturday.
On the other hand, OGC Nice continues its inexorable fall.
Without consistency, the men of President Jean-Pierre Rivère were beaten for the 13th time in L1 this season.
Worse, in 2021, the Aiglons lost seven out of ten matches.
With 29 points, a complete lack of confidence and many absent due to injury.
Seven major players were missing against Metz: Atal, Dante, Lotomba, Danilo, Lopes, Dolberg and Reine-Adelaide.
Suddenly, this team built to play Europe has only six small points ahead of 18th place, synonymous with a dam.
His next trip, Friday to Rennes, will be important.
And the reception in Nîmes, Wednesday March 3, will be very expensive for the maintenance.
Metz built their victory in a perfect first half against a team in great difficulty and without reaction.
Quickly, Kiki Kouyaté opened the brand.
Like a center forward, he took over a center shot from the excellent Farid Boulaya (1-0, 15th).
After this goal, the Messins, superior in all areas, continued their work of undermining.
Following a new change of wing from Boulaya, Vagner served Matthieu Udol whose attempt was well taken out by Walter Benitez (17th).
The only Nice shot on target, by Pierre Lees-Melou (25th), did not change anything.
The defense, at bay, let its opponent do it.
Andy Pelmard let Udol center, Jean-Clair Todibo and William Saliba let Lamine Gueye score (2-0, 38 ').
After an abysmal half-time, Adrian Ursea's players still reacted.
Thanks to Amine Gouiri, authorized to play at the last minute after a final negative test for Covid-19.
The ex-Lyonnais got a penalty after a fault from Fabien Centonze and transformed it with a beautiful + panenka + (2-1, 61st).
After this 9th goal in L1 from the young Nice striker, it was again nothing.
And Metz deserved his victory.
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