The RC Lens wins Brest and erases the demons of arbitration
After a series of disappointing results and growing pressure, RC Lens finally returned to victory, winning yesterday in Brest (2-1) in a controversial match and an undeniable return of karma. If everything wasn’t perfect, this victory, both in accounting and moral terms, is a relief for a Lens group that needed to pull itself together.
The match was marked by tensions, notably following the controversial decision of the referee, Benoît Millot, to grant a penalty to the Lensois and to expel Ndiaye. Breton coach Eric Roya reacted strongly, considering the penalty excessive. “That you whistle the penalty, I can understand, but then we have to explain why you put red card. It’s a ball at close range, without intent, so I find the sanction very harsh,” he said. This decision recalls the incidents of February 2023, where RC Lens had shared the points in Brest in similar circumstances, with an arbitration deemed unfavourable.
Despite these polemics, RC Lens has been able to focus on the game. Neil El Aynaoui affirmed himself as a key player, dominating the middle of the field and transforming the penalty in cold blood into a hostile context. Goduine Koyalipou also shone, scoring a goal and displaying a threatening presence in the surface. Malang Sarr was named the best defender in the field in Lens, while Andy Diouf, after a difficult first period, achieved a beautiful second period. Anass Zaroury also contributed with a millimetered center for Koyalipou’s head, and Wesley Said finished the game with an express goal, the fastest of his career.
The victory is all the more significant as no Lens player has received yellow cards, a rare fact this season. However, Will Still acknowledged that everything was not perfect, stressing in particular the passivity of the Lens defence on Brest’s goal and an early management of the 2-1 in numerical superiority. The absence of M’Bala Nzola, punished for his lack of involvement in training, was also regretted.
Neil El Aynaoui’s overall performance was hailed by the press as the future captain of RC Lens. The warm association between Will Still and Jean-Louis Leca also demonstrated good agreement within the group.
The match was also marked by incidents between Breton and Lens fans, as well as the reunion with Massadio Haidara. The future of Florian Sotoca, injured, remains uncertain, and Angelo Fulgini’s empty look during the debriefing raised questions about his future at the club. The Koyalipou-Agbonifo duo may brighten up next season, while Jérémy Agbonifo will have to make further progress to win.