The Racing Club is slipping and is not reassured before the Champions League next week. Opposed to FC Lorient for the 11th day of Ligue 1 at Moustoir and at the end of a very lively meeting, Franck Haise’s men were held in check (0-0) by a valiant Merlus team who did not didn’t give up.
THE @FCLorient and the @RCLens neutralize each other 🤝#FCLRCL pic.twitter.com/2xBRY9K1Uv
— Ligue 1 Uber Eats (@Ligue1UberEats) November 4, 2023
This result does not suit the Sang et Or in the standings, who are provisionally in 8th position with 13 points while awaiting the meetings at Stade Rennais and Olympique de Marseille. This clash does not reassure the Lensois before a European week which promises to be decisive on the pitch of PSV Eindhoven this Wednesday.
On the other hand, it’s a good result for FC Lorient given the nature of the game. The Merlus are currently 14th in Ligue 1 with 11 points on the clock.
Strong Lens domination throughout the match
The meeting could have tilted several times towards the Racing Club de Lens this Saturday evening. Brice Samba’s teammates generally dominated the game in both the first and second periods.
Despite a good start to the match, the Merlus quickly suffered the offensives of Franck Haise’s men (3 shots on target out of 7 in the first period). FC Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo kept his team in the game by making several saves.
Returning from the locker room, the Lensois start again on the same basis. But the visitors lack accuracy and efficiency in the opposing final meters.
Elye Wahi’s partners were even almost surprised shortly after the hour mark. The Merlus, who raised their level of play in the second part of the second act, began a lightning counterattack. Yongwa finds Kroupi in the area at the far post. The young promise of FCL rose in the air to push the ball into the back of the Samba net. But the referee signaled an offside for the 17-year-old midfielder (66th).
The next day will be hot for the RCL who host Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Bollaert. For the Merlus, it will be a trip to the pitch of 17th in Ligue 1 Clermont.
