Could Lens really win the Ligue 1 title this season?
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At the halfway point in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Racing Club de Lens find themselves just three points shy of Paris Saint-Germain. Can Franck Haise’s side go all the way this year?
When Lens claimed a hugely impressive 3-1 victory over PSG on New Year’s Day, the club’s dreams of securing only a second top-flight title became more of a reality.
Let’s not forget that Lens only gained promotion to Ligue 1 in 2019-20, having spent five seasons in the second tier. Following back-to-back seventh-place finishes in 2020-21 and 2021-22, they have taken their game to another level in 2022-23.
Believe it or not, Lens have lost just one of their 19 league matches this season – picking up 13 wins and five draws along the way. They also boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded a measly 13 goals.
Brice Samba has played a key role in the Blood and Gold’s unlikely title charge this season, as the former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has kept nine clean sheets in the league.
At the opposite end of the pitch, top scorer Lois Openda has netted nine Ligue 1 goals this term, while Florian Sotoca has bagged six goals and seven assists. Wesley Sais has scored five goals, with Seko Fofana contributing three goals and three assists.
Haise’s men kicked off their campaign with a nine-game unbeaten streak, notching six wins and three draws. After that, they suffered their first and only defeat of the season – losing 1-0 to Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Since then, Lens have chalked up another nine-game unbeaten run – this time achieving seven wins and two draws – and they even managed five straight victories before the World Cup.
The Pas-de-Calais outfit’s sole Ligue 1 title came back in 1997-98, when they finished level with second-placed Metz on 68 points and triumphed on goal difference. During their glory years, they also finished as runners-up in 2001-02.
It is worth noting that Lens have suffered three relegations since then, but they have managed to bounce back every time. That said, they have not finished higher than sixth since 2007-08.
With PSG suffering two defeats in three league outings since the turn of the year, Lens have closed the gap in recent weeks. If Haise’s men carry on the way they’re going, they will push the Parisians all the way.
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