A few days after a frustrating draw against Friborg in the first leg of the Europa League, Lens conceded a draw this Sunday at Reims (1-1). Diakité opened the scoring (41st) before Saïd, for Lensois, reduced the score (45th 2nd). The Sang et Or remain sixth, Reims eighth.
A match that took a long time to get going. These two teams, which lined up in low blocks, neutralized each other for a long time. After an observation phase, the two teams tried to establish more rhythm but were often stopped in their ball exit by mistakes, often dangerous. Finally, with a good overflow from Ito who finally had space on the right side, the danger became more concrete.
The Japanese sent a perfect cross to Diakité, who had gotten rid of the marking, to come and adjust Brice Samba at the near post (1-0, 40th). The match then got carried away with Lensoise chances which were quick to hit the mark. After a very good cross, Wesley Saïd sent a powerful header to deceive the Stade de Reims goalkeeper and put the Sang et Or back on track just before the break (1-1, 45th 3rd).
Upon returning from the locker room, the match started again as in the first half with an observation phase and very violent fouls. The turning point of the match came when Okumu let his crampon drag on Frankowski’s shin but only collected a yellow card.
Behind, apart from a few corners and a few poorly negotiated free kicks, the Rémois suffered more than anything else. Fulgini (69th) then Chavez twice (78th, 83rd) were very close to giving Lens the advantage, but their shots flew off target.
Thanks to an imperial Brice Samba in the air at the end of the match, the two teams end up sharing the points at the end of this 22nd day of Ligue 1. Lens misses a great opportunity to get back on the podium while Reims does not budge and stays away from European markets.
