Lens Closer to Ligue 1 After Beating Niort in Front of Record Crowd
RC Lens took a major step toward promotion to Ligue 1 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Niort in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash in Ligue 2. The match, held at a fully packed Stade Félix-Bollaert, drew a stunning 37,101 spectators — a season attendance record and a testament to the club’s passionate support.
Head coach Antoine Kombouaré, visibly moved by the performance and the atmosphere, praised his young squad and the fervent Lensois crowd:
“The Bollaert stadium pushed us, it’s truly unique. There was a great connection between the fans and the players,” said Kombouaré.
“The players even had cramps at the end of the match given the sheer energy. They’re young — youth means commitment and passion, but also difficulty managing physically. In the second half, we had to stretch the play and hold onto the ball, and we did it well.”
The result strengthens Lens’ position in the promotion race, edging them ever closer to a return to France’s top flight — a goal that now feels within reach.
