Lens defeat Nantes narrowly 2-1, Openda secures top-four place with crucial win.

### Lens Defeat Nantes Narrowly 2-1; Openda Secures Top-Four Place with Crucial Win

In a tense encounter at the Stade de France, Lens secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Nantes, securing their position in the top four of Ligue 1 for the upcoming season. The match was closely contested from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities.

#### Key Highlights:

1. **First Half: Uneven Start**

- The first half saw Lens dominate possession but fail to convert into clear goals. Nantes, on the other hand, had more opportunities, though they were unable to capitalize on them effectively.

- A well-executed counterattack by Lens near halftime gave them a slight lead, but it quickly fizzled out without any follow-up shots.

2. **Second Half: Turning Point**

- In the second half, Nantes made significant changes to their lineup, bringing in key players who had not been playing for several weeks. This strategy proved effective as they started to gain momentum.

- Nantes managed to equalize the scoreline through a clever combination involving forward Ondrej Openda, who received a pass from midfielder Romain Laporte and scored from close range in the 77th minute.

3. **Final Moments: Lens Rise to Victory**

- With the game entering its final stages, Lens regained control of the ball and capitalized on their advantage. A goal from striker Mathieu Valbuena put them ahead again just before the end of the match.

- Despite Nantes' best efforts, Lens held onto their lead until the final whistle, securing a hard-fought victory that could prove pivotal in their campaign.

#### Impact on League Position:

Openda's crucial goal against Nantes solidified his standing in the league, ranking him among the top scorers in Ligue 1. His performance has been instrumental in keeping Lens competitive, especially considering the challenges they faced during the early part of the season.

The result also boosts Lens' confidence heading into the remaining fixtures of the season, which will be crucial for maintaining their top-four status. With two matches left to play, the team will need to perform exceptionally well to secure a spot in the Champions League, given the fierce competition in the group stage.

This narrow victory against Nantes is another testament to Lens' resilience and ability to bounce back from tough losses. As they look ahead to the next round of fixtures, the team remains committed to building upon this momentum and pushing towards their ultimate goal of reaching the pinnacle of French football.