Lens Continues to Climb, Dismantling Montpellier With Another 2-0 Win
A Tactical Shift Leads RC Lens to Victory
Dressed in a special jersey to honor Sainte-Barbe, the patron saint of miners, and pay tribute to the heritage of Lens, the Lensois emerged victorious against Montpellier on Sunday. While the score may not have been breathtaking, the result solidified their momentum from their previous win against Reims. A key factor in their success was the tactical shift implemented by manager Will Still.
Still opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, a departure from the three-defender system that the club had frequently used in the past. This strategic change proved effective, seeping into the club’s identity like the rich history of mining embedded in the city’s spirit. It was young striker Rémy Labeau-Lascary (21), who orchestrated the opening goal.
In the 39th minute, Labeau-Lascary, fed by M’bala Nzola in the Montpellier penalty area, executed a masterful move. He expertly outmaneuvered his opponent with a skillful hook before aiming a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.
Momentum Shifts as Samba Steals the Show
Although the Lensois didn’t light up the score sheet, Stade Bollaert witnessed some captivating defensive moments. Brice Samba, the last line of defense for Lens, was called into action repeatedly to preserve his team’s lead.
Montpellier’s Téji Savanier tested Samba in the 70th minute, followed closely by Issiaga Sylla’s close-range attempt in the 75th minute. Samba rose to the occasion each time, displaying his agility and reflexes. Even Abdukodir Khusanov’s late challenge was denied by the agile goalkeeper.
The final moments of the match saw a comical own goal from Montpellier, extending Lens’s lead. Savanier inadvertently deflected a Lens free kick onto teammate Becir Omeragic, catching Lecomte off guard. The Parisian missed the climbing ball. It was Lecomte committing handball (90th+2). Oddly enough, Lens awarded the goal without touching the ball.
Success Builds as Lens Aims for European Competition
This victory propels Lens into seventh place with 23 points, firmly in the hunt for European qualification. Montpellier, however, languishes at the bottom of the table with only eight points, their struggles evident in this match.
Still’s transformation of the team continues to gain momentum. Lens continue to make strides towards achieving its SKY HIGH
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How did the special jersey worn by Lens for the match potentially impact the team’s performance?
## Interview: Lens’s Tactical Triumph
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is our resident football analyst, Alex Reed, to discuss Lens’s impressive win against Montpellier. They secured another 2-0 victory, clearly building on their momentum from the previous week’s win against Reims. Alex Reed, what can you tell us about this match?
**Alex Reed:** It was a convincing victory for Lens, even if the scoreline doesn’t fully reflect their dominance. The shift in tactics implemented by manager Will Still was evident throughout the game and undeniably played a key role in shutting down Montpellier’s attack.
**Host:** You mentioned a shift in tactics. Can you elaborate on that?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Still moved away from the three-defender system that Lens has been using, opting instead for a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation. This allowed them to control the midfield better and it seems to have really energized the team.
**Host:** Interesting! Lens also wore a special jersey dedicated to Sainte-Barbe, the patron saint of miners, tying in with the city’s heritage. Do you think this had any impact on the team’s performance?
**Alex Reed:** It’s hard to say for sure, but there’s no doubt that the Lensois were playing with a lot of pride and determination. Wearing a jersey that honors their local heritage likely boosted morale and created a strong connection with the fans.
**Host:** So, what does this win mean for Lens moving forward?
**Alex Reed:** It definitely strengthens their position in the league and shows that they are a force to be reckoned with. Still’s tactical innovation demonstrates a willingness to adapt and evolve, which is crucial for long-term success. I think Lens fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds.
**Host:** Thanks for joining us, Alex Reed. Great insights as always. And for our viewers, be sure to check out the full match commentary and highlights on Sky Sports. [1](https://www.skysports.com/football/rc-lens-vs-montpellier/live/487581)
