Lens Defeats Montpellier 2-0 in Ligue 1 Opener as Coaches Face Double Expulsion
RC Lens climbs to fifth place after a decisive win, marked by early goals and the unusual ejection of both team managers following a sideline altercation.
- Lens secured a 2-0 victory over Montpellier in the opening match of Ligue 1's 20th round, with goals from M’Bala Nzola and new signing Jeremy Agbonifo.
- The match saw the rare expulsion of both coaches, Will Still of Lens and Jean-Louis Gasset of Montpellier, after a brief sideline dispute during a VAR review.
- Nzola scored just 34 seconds into the game, marking his sixth goal of the season, while Agbonifo scored within minutes of entering as a substitute, showcasing a strong debut.
- Lens' win temporarily places them fifth in the standings, intensifying pressure on Monaco, Nice, and Lille ahead of their weekend fixtures.
- Montpellier, now 17th and in the relegation zone, ended their two-game winning streak, struggling to maintain momentum despite the return of Andy Delort to the lineup.
Ouest-France 