Lens Leapfrog PSG to Top of Ligue 1 with Thrilling 5-1 Win Over Angers

Florian Thauvin stars as Lens secure seventh straight win over Angers

Lens stormed to the top of Ligue 1 with a thrilling 5-1 win over Angers, leapfrogging Paris Saint-Germain. Florian Thauvin led the charge with a goal and two assists, while Odsonne Edouard netted a brace.

This victory marks Lens's seventh straight win over Angers and extends their unbeaten streak to 13 games against bottom-half teams...

Florian Thauvin was on fire as Lens crushed Angers 5-1, moving to the top of Ligue 1, at least temporarily. Thauvin scored a goal and had two assists in the convincing win, helping Lens bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Lorient last week.

The match got off to a great start for Lens, with a quick throw catching Angers off guard. Saud Abdulhamid nodded the ball to Thauvin, who expertly finished from close range, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

RC Lens were looking threatening, but Odsonne Edouard blew a sitter from inside the six-yard box. However, he made up for it moments later, doubling Lens's lead.

Thauvin sparked the move, capitalizing on a loose pass from Ousmane Camara to play a killer ball to Edouard. The forward nutmegged his marker and dinked it over Oumar Pona, scoring his 10th goal of the season – and his 11th time scoring before half-time this campaign.

Amine Sbai posed a threat for Angers, but Lens kept pushing. Mamadou Sangare's effort hit the crossbar, and then Lens's midfielder struck from range, putting the ball in the top-right corner.

Just three minutes after halftime, it was 4-0. Thauvin threaded a perfect pass to Edouard, who faked a shot and slotted it past Pona.

Nonetheless, Angers bagged a consolation after 62 minutes, as Lanroy Machine adjusted well to turn in Lilian Raolisoa’s low, driven cross.

𝙁𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄-𝙇𝙀𝙉𝙎 🤩

Emballants dans un Bollaert-Delelis comblé, les Sang et Or s'imposent largement en terres artésiennes, où ils signent leur 1⃣2⃣e succès de la saison en @Ligue1. Bravo Messieurs ! 👏

RC Lens 5⃣-1⃣ @AngersSCO#RCLSCO pic.twitter.com/2IFSaUIQf5

— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) March 20, 2026

However, the goal of the night arguably came from Matthieu Udol, who acrobatically stretched to guide home Abdallah Sima’s lofted cross on the volley, in what proved to be the last meaningful action as Pierre Sage’s side coasted to an emphatic win.

Lens are dreaming of their first Ligue 1 title since 1997/98. They're on a roll, winning 13 of their last 14 games against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Lens's form at home is particularly impressive, with an identical record in their last 14 games at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. This strong run has put them two points clear of PSG, who have played two fewer games.

Meanwhile, Angers are yet to beat a top-eight side this season (D3, L9), leaving hopes of a first top-half finish since 2015/16 looking increasingly fanciful. After five defeats in six league outings, Les Scoïstes find themselves 12th in midtable obscurity.

Match Highlights

• Thauvin's Masterclass: The French forward scored and assisted twice, showcasing his exceptional skill.

• Edouard's Double: The Lens striker scored twice, including a remarkable finish.

• Udol's Stunner: Matthieu Udol scored the fifth goal with an acrobatic volley.

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