Lens hold off Lyon with 10 men to end unbeaten Ligue 1 start

Lens secured a 2-1 victory over Lyon despite finishing the match with 10 men, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season and giving Yannick Cahuzac his first win as manager.

Florian Sotoca opened the scoring nine minutes before half-time after controlling Florian Thauvin’s floated cross on his chest. The forward turned before sending a low finish beyond Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif.

Sotoca had already gone close earlier in the match, forcing Greif into a sharp save before firing a half-volley over the crossbar.

Lens continued to threaten as the interval approached. Thauvin saw an effort diverted over by Greif, who then kept out Odsonne Edouard as the hosts pressed for a second goal.

Lyon, who had conceded only twice across their opening five league matches, failed to produce a shot on target during the first half.

The visitors responded more positively after the restart and Pavel Sulc tested Robin Risser within three minutes of the resumption. Lens remained dangerous, though, and Ruben Aguilar narrowly missed the near post with a swerving attempt.

Lens doubled their advantage with 14 minutes remaining. Matthieu Udol met Thauvin’s free-kick and headed past Greif, scoring in consecutive matches and putting the hosts in a commanding position.

The contest changed again six minutes from time when Udol was dismissed for a poor challenge.

Lyon took advantage almost immediately, with Khalis Merah scoring his first Ligue 1 goal for the club to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.

Lens were forced to defend with 10 men during the closing stages but held firm to claim all three points.

The result moved Lens from 15th to seventh in the Ligue 1 table. Lyon, who remain second, missed the chance to move into first place.