Openda a ray of light for picture-perfect Lens
Lens were looking to claim back-to-back wins for the first time since the FIFA World Cup break, as they continue their quest for a first UEFA Champions League campaign since 2002-03. Although Les Sang et Or were heavy favourites against an Angers side who have only won twice in the league this season, Franck Haise’s side will have been mindful of the fact that they were winless in their last five home matches against Le SCO. The first 20 minutes were fairly competitive, but the extra quality of Lens told with the half-hour mark approaching when a precise through-ball from Salis Abdul Samed played Seko Fofana in, and the captain placed his shot past Paul Bernardoni and into the left corner to make it 1-0.
Lens had won the two previous H2Hs 2-1, and they were keen to find a second goal to give themselves some breathing room against an Angers side who were fighting for their lives. With their tails up, the hosts made the most of their momentum when, on the half-hour mark, some lovely interplay between Adrien Thomasson and Loïs Openda ended with the latter beating his man and rolling the ball past Bernardoni from close range to give Lens a commanding HT lead.
Angers knew they had to start the second half well if they were to find a way back into the match, however, straight from the kick-off Lens went upfield and scored a third goal when Openda raced into the area and slotted past Bernardoni to all but end the contest. Openda, who scored a four-minute hat-trick against Clermont Foot last time out, was denied another treble when Bernardoni saved his effort from point-blank range.
The hosts were able to see the game out with little fuss to keep themselves very much in the hunt at the top of the table, while lowly Angers’ situation continues to look worryingly ominous.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Loïs Openda (RC Lens)