RC Lens secured a dramatic 1 0 victory over FC Nantes on Friday, a result that guaranteed their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and confirmed Nantes’ relegation from Ligue 1.
The hero of the night was 16 year old Mezian Mesloub, who came off the bench and scored the decisive goal with one of his first touches on his senior debut. He reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area in the 79th minute and fired home to spark celebrations among the home supporters.
The win ensures Lens finish in the top three of Ligue 1, moving nine points clear of fourth placed Lille with only two matches remaining. This places them firmly in automatic qualification for Europe’s elite club competition.
Lens now join the race at the top of the table, sitting just behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who still hold a three point advantage but have played one more match. The title race remains mathematically open, although PSG maintain a strong edge due to their superior goal difference.
The atmosphere at Stade Bollaert was electric after the final whistle, with a sold out crowd of 38,000 fans staying behind for extended celebrations. Players were individually introduced on the pitch as fireworks lit up the stadium.
Despite the defeat, Nantes goalkeeper Anthony Lopes kept his side in the game with several key saves as Lens had multiple goals disallowed for offside and handball.
The loss confirms Nantes will be relegated from Ligue 1, ending a difficult season that saw them ce managers multiple times before Vahid Halilhodzic was brought in late in a final attempt to avoid the drop.
Lens, once French champions in 1998, have been one of the surprise packages of the season after briefly topping the league table earlier in the campaign. They will now also turn attention to the Coupe de France final against Nice on May 22 as they chase domestic silverware.
Meanwhile PSG continue their pursuit of another league title while also preparing for a UEFA Champions League final showdown against Arsenal on May 30 after a dramatic semi final victory over Bayern Munich.
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