The Stade Bollaert-Delelis buzzed with excitement as RC Lens hosted Stade de Reims in a very anticipated Ligue 1 encounter on matchday 16. With 38,055 fans in the stadium, the stage was set for an electrifying clash.
The game marked a significant milestone for Przemysław Frankowski, who celebrated his 100th appearance for Lens.
The opening goal arrived in the 43rd minute when Wesley Saïd found the back of the net. Then in the 75th minute the team’s young 20-year-old Colombian talent, Oscar Cortés, secured his first goal for Lens. Assisted by Ruben Aguilar, Cortés's goal confirmed the win, and also underscored Aguilar's exceptional performance on the right side of the pitch.
The 2-0 victory earned Lens three crucial points, propelling them to the fifth spot in the league table, which is currently a Europa League place. Meanwhile, Stade de Reims remain eighth.
Lens remain dominant at home, having won 14 out of their last 19 Ligue 1 home games in 2023, a run second only to their historic play in 1956, when they won 15. They also remain unbeaten in their last 11 Ligue 1 games, having conceded only four goals in that spell. This strong run of form comes after a challenging start to the season, where Lens suffered four losses in their first five games, conceding 11 goals.
For their part, Stade de Reims have experienced a sharp dip in form, suffering four losses in their last five Ligue 1 matches. In their final matches of 2023, Lens will put their strong form to the test on the road against second-placed OGC Nice, while Reims host Le Havre.
