(Ligue 1 2022/2023): Highlights RENNES - LENS

Manager Bruno Genesio called on his Rennes side to build on their stunning win at Paris Saint-Germain before the international break, when Lens came calling. Les Rues Genoise had only once registered back-to-back Ligue 1 Uber Eats wins since October, not good enough in a tight race for European qualification. They started the match only a point above Lille in fifth, but any Champions League ambitions hung on cutting the seven-point gap to Lens. Franck Eze had made a return to Europe after two decades away the priority and victory would see them climb back to second. Lois Appenda has been in red-hot form, the Belgian international though seeing Steve Mondonda down sharply five goals in two matches before the international break. Rennes had conceded just two goals during the first half of their home league matches this season, the lowest tally in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. Hakundo Medina thought he'd done the third and yet Rennes' resistance would be broken soon after and who else? Lois Appenda with his 15th of the season and the Red Devil the first Lens player to reach that milestone in the same season in the top flight since Roger Pauly in 1993-94. The home side desperate for a response, who better to lead the charge than captain Benjamin Purujo, but it was Medina with a vital touch to take it off the crossbar and over Prisamba's goal. Furious, compassionate response from Medina, the Argentine keeping Lens in front with Appenda lighting the way for Lens. No Rennes player though in double figures in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. The loss of Martin Thierry still hitting them hard, winless in five against Lens. First loss in 16 months at home to Les Saints-États, looked on the cards. Troyan Sotoka with an assist straight at Mondanda, unable to add a goal. Manu Kalimowendu then threatened a fine save with the feet from French squad member Prisamba. Bruno looking concerned, Purujo seeing the deflection not aid his efforts. Romain then went for a spectacular from distance, proved to be easy plundering for Samba. Lens holding on for a vital 1-0 win, Lens losing for the sixth time in 30 league outings after their Paris success crashing back to earth. Racing have got their mojo back, Appenda continuing his fine scoring run, firing them back to second after Marseille's slip on Friday.