Cahuzac's Lens break Lyon's unbeaten run at Bollaert-Delelis

RC Lens secured their first Ligue 1 victory under manager Yannick Cahuzac at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, defeating Lyon 2‑1. Goals from Sotoca and Udol gave the Sang et Or the lead before Merah's late consolation. William Tertrin reported the match for the returning top‑flight round.

Cahuzac's breakthrough

The win marked the first success for the men of Yannick Cahuzac since the opening day of the Ligue. It also ended a run of defeats for the side that had struggled to find a win in the early fixtures. Tertrin highlighted the significance of the result for the Lensois as they look to climb the table.

Goals and red card

Sotoca opened the scoring with a deft finish after a brilliant pass from Thauvin, rewarding the Lens forward’s hunger for a goal. Udol doubled the lead with a header from a set‑piece, only to see his celebration cut short by a straight red card in the 84th minute for a heavy challenge on Merah.

Merah reduced the deficit for Lyon with a close‑range finish, but his goal did not alter the final outcome. The red card left Lens to defend a narrow lead with ten men, testing their resolve in the closing stages.

Lens players shine

Defender Risser earned a 7 for his composure, thwarting attacks from Sulc, Nakamura and Morton despite the pressure. Gradit (6) and Ganou (7) also impressed, the latter making twelve defensive actions, the highest among Lens players.

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Midfielders Antonio (6) and Cuisance (7) performed their duties effectively, while Titraoui (5) struggled after returning from injury. Thauvin (8) continued his usual work‑rate, supplying the decisive pass to Sotoca.

Pas featured in the midfield, contributing to the team’s shape, and forward Bollaert was involved in the build‑up to Sotoca’s opener. The collective effort earned the Sang et Or a well‑deserved three points.

William Tertrin’s account captured the atmosphere at Bollaert‑Delelis, noting the pride of the Lens supporters as their side broke Lyon’s unbeaten start in the Ligue. The report underscored the importance of the victory for Cahuzac’s project.

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The contrast between Lens’s resilience and Lyon’s early dominance highlights a potential shift in the early Ligue narrative, with the Sang et Or now confident they can compete at the top of the table.