Lens secured their second place in the standings at the expense of Nantes on Friday night with a 1-0 victory at Bollaert Stadium. The win condemned Nantes to relegation to Ligue 2. A goal from young Mezian Mesloub sealed the fate of the match, marking the end of Nantes’ Ligue 1 campaign. Lens needed just one point for joy, but three points ensured they finished second. Mesloub, a 16-year-old academy product, scored the only goal of the game in the 79th minute. This fairy-tale moment capped off a remarkable season for Lens.
Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Mesloub converted his first Ligue 1 opportunity with a well-placed shot following a link-up with Bulatovic. The goal lifted Lens to 67 points, securing their second-place spot and ensuring they cannot be caught by Lyon. Nantes’ disappointing season ended with their feared relegation, as they struggled near the bottom of the standings.
Nantes missed their chance to secure a win against Lens, as opportunities went begging, including a shot from Abline that hit the post. Lens now sets their sights on the Coupe de France final against Nice on May 22, hoping to add another chapter to their successful season.
/2026/05/08/69fe279509561924245986.jpg "Tennis: Novak Djokovic eliminated in his first match at the Rome Masters 1000 for the start of his clay court season")
