(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights RC STRASBOURG - RC LENS

Launce were hoping to both build on their first win of the season and warm up for their big Champions League clash with Arsenal when they headed south-east to take on a Strasbourg team coached by an Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira. That long overdue first victory came in dramatic style last time out as Lee Song-il came from behind to beat to lose Morgan Ghilaboghi with an 84th minute winner. Strasbourg grabbed their winner one minute earlier, proved Diarra with the only goal of their meeting with Metz in the 83rd minute and three more points that had left them in a very solid 6th just outside the European spots. It was the home side who started stronger with Dylan Bakua forcing a good early save from Brice Samba. Diarra also had a chance to make it 2-2, couldn't find the target. So it was somewhat against the run of play then when Launce found the net at the other end. Lewy falling Jairzino Niamzi with a smart bit of control following Florian Sotikas' flick on and firing low beyond Samba's opposite number mat sells from range. Beautifully taken goal and one that will be a welcome confidence boost for the France under-21 striker who's yet to score in four league outings for his new club before this. A summit arrival from Montpellier having spurned the advances of Chelsea willing to push on and fill the goal-scoring boots of now RB Leipzig's Lois Openda. The goal lifted Launce and put it pulled further clear before the half was out. Sotika well picked out by Facundo Medina only able to place the ball wide. A good first touch and a good finish but up to the same quality. So Launce with a narrow lead at half-time one that they would be desperate to hold on to. This time last year it was Strasbourg suffering the painful start after what had been their best finish in decades the season before. Beverly recovered all season but narrowly avoided relegation at a route Launce didn't want to mirror. So they set about increasing their lead instead. Nice backheel from Ghilavoghi that somehow sells just about doing enough. First parrying, the first attempt and then over to block the second. Two sides unexchanged chances during the remainder of the game. Never found another goal. Luca Perrin came about as close as Strasbourg got. Somba with an important save. Then former Strasbourg man Adrian Thomasson could have had a gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time. Bouncing on a mistake at the back. But he was denied by the toes of Celce. Either way, all three points headed back up north with Launce. Back-to-back wins sets them on a trajectory more akin to what they would have been expecting this year with them above the relegation playoff spot. Strasbourg disappointed but remain within touching distance of the top five.