Montpellier defeats Lens

Lens was stopped in its good momentum by losing (1-0) Sunday to Montpellier, which starts again, during the 10th day of Ligue 1. The Northerners were surprised shortly after the break by a goal of English striker Stephy Mavididi (47th).

Despite this second defeat of the season, after that at home in front of Strasbourg (0-1), Franck Haise’s team retains its place of runner-up and has provisionally two points ahead of Nice, beaten in Troyes (1-0) , and Angers, while waiting for the meeting between Marseille and Lorient at the end of the day.

Lens, nine-point dolphin from PSG

Lens leaves Paris nine points ahead and has therefore failed for the first time in its history to string together a fourth away victory, where it had trumped everyone until then. After three significant victories in Monaco (2-0), Bordeaux (3-2) and especially Marseille (36th), he fell into the Mosson trap.

This first away mistake does not affect his excellent start, in line with the comeback season, but it reminds him of his new status and the fear it arouses.

Montpellier, which had not won since September 12 in front of Saint-Étienne, was reassured with this success, the third of the season, after having stalled in its reconstruction and before a series of rather complicated matches (Monaco, Nantes, Nice …). He preserves the 13th place.

At the end of the first period, Lens, positioned around a low block, could be satisfied to come out unscathed. Around a conquering environment, animated by the inevitable Teji Savanier, Montpellier has displayed its collective mastery.

Only, once again, the Dall’Oglio team was singularly lacking in realism. The English striker Stephy Mavididi wrapped up a shot from just near (7th), then forced the Lensois goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca to a good save (32nd). In the meantime, Valère Germain, served by Savanier, had dispatched a recovery from the base of the post.

Just after the break (48th), on a good sequence, Savanier found in the back of the defense, and in particular Kevin Danso, Mavididi, who fixed Leca before scoring his 3rd goal of the season.

From then on, Lens took matters in hand, cornered Montpellier on its goal. But if they created opportunities by Arnaud Kalimuendo (58th), David Da Costa (61st), Christopher Wooh (72nd) or Cheick Doucouré (90 + 2nd), the Lensois fell on Jonas Omlin.

On the other hand, Montpellier, reduced to ten after the exclusion of Ferri (86th), was the most dangerous by Germain (64th, 74th), Savanier (84th) or Mavididi (89th), but did not succeed in take cover to ensure a deserved victory.