|
Lens dropped their first points at home this season on Sunday, drawing 1-1 with Bordeaux to move up to third in the table.
After winning their first two matches at the Stade Félix-Bollaert by an aggregate scoreline of 9-0, Lens will have been confident of keeping pace with Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of League leaders Lyon.
But up against the side with the best defensive record in Ligue 1, Lens came up slightly short in front of their fervent supporters.
Lining up with an attacking formation that saw Brazilian playmaker Jussie slot in just behind front-three Daniel Cousin, Olivier Thomert and Aruna Dindane, Francis Gillot’s side set out to attack Bordeaux from the start.
But Les Girondins are playing with impressive togetherness this season and even Denilson, the Brazil international who was making his debut for the club, did his fair share of defending.
Bordeaux successfully soaked up the early pressure and they stunned the home fans by taking the lead on 29 minutes. A former Lens favourite Vladimir Smicer prompted the goal on his return to the north of France, firing in a shot that was blocked on the line by Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje.
The ball fell kindly to Marouane Chamakh on the right side of the penalty area and, with Itandje stranded, the Moroccan steered the ball home right-footed.
Lens responded in the best possible way, equalising a minute later. Thomert’s cross was headed goalwards by Cousin and, though Ulrich Ramé made a good save, the ball remained in the danger area. Cousin showed good composure to drag the ball back onto his left foot, creating a better angle, and shooting low through Ramé’s legs.
Neither side did enough to take the three points in the second half, with both goalkeepers in commanding form.
Itandje produced a fine save to keep out Chamakh’s header on 52 minutes following good work from Smicer, then Ramé twice denied Benoit Assou-Ekotto with sprawling stops.
Lens remain ahead of Bordeaux on goal difference, with both teams five points behind pacesetters Lyon.
|
