LENS, France, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lens returned to the top of Ligue 1 with a battling 1-0 win over lowly Auxerre on Saturday. Entering a match not at the summit of the standings for the first time since the beginning of December, Lens started in cagey fashion. Lens coach Sage later regretted his surprise league leaders' recent tendency to start matches in a sluggish manner. Whatever Sage said to his charges at half-time worked as Lens came out more forceful in the second period and only heroic last-ditch defending kept Said and Matthieu Udol at bay. But ultimately Lens were not made to pay for their wastefulness as they kept Auxerre at arm's length to ensure a 14th victory of the campaign.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 18, 2026 02:48 UTC