Ligue 1 Roundup: Samba Shines As Rennes Beat PSG And Lens Takes Control

‎The latest Ligue 1 weekend delivered high drama from a statement win by Stade Rennais over Paris Saint-Germain, to a ruthless top-of-the-table charge by surprise leaders RC Lens, and another emotional collapse for a troubled Olympique de Marseille.

‎Here’s the full breakdown.

‎Rennes Outclass PSG

‎In one of the most impressive performances of the season, Stade Rennais stunned defending champions Paris Saint-Germain with a 3–1 victory, driven by a magnificent display from goalkeeper Brice Samba.

‎The France international recently re-established as his nation’s third-choice keeper was outstanding, denying Désiré Doué one-on-one early and stopping a driven effort from Ousmane Dembélé before Rennes seized control.

‎Rennes struck first when Tochukwu Al-Tamari outpaced the PSG defense and slotted home clinically. After the break, the visitors’ disorganisation deepened.

‎A thumping header from Mathis Lepaul doubled Rennes’ lead, capitalizing on slack marking from Warren Zaïre-Emery.

‎PSG momentarily responded through a header from Dembélé, but the comeback lasted only minutes. Substitute Breel Embolo bundled in a third to cap a confident Rennes display.

‎Interim manager S. Tambouret abandoned the back-three shape and switched to a disciplined 4-2-3-1 despite the key absences of Jeremy Jacquet and Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal.

‎The decision paid off, Rennes were compact, brave in possession, and ruthless when chances came.

‎Lens March to the Top

‎Many expected Marseille to challenge PSG this season, but it’s RC Lens who now lead the title race after a stunning 5–0 demolition of Paris FC.

‎Unfancied, low-budget, and without superstar names, Lens relies on structure and collective work rate. And once again, it showed.

‎The star of the match was journeyman forward Wesley Saïd, who scored twice first from a driven cross, then with a pinpoint top-corner finish. The dominance continued as France winger Florian Thauvin converted a penalty before young substitute Rayan Fofana added two late goals.

‎Lens’ intensity, efficiency, and discipline have now carried them one point above PSG at the summit. The title race is officially open.

‎Marseille in Crisis Another Collapse Sparks Fan Fury

‎While Lens ssurges chaos deepens at Olympique de Marseille.

‎Fresh off a humiliating 5–0 defeat to PSG and the abrupt departure of coach Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille blew a 2–0 lead to draw 2–2 with RC Strasbourg.

‎The Vélodrome was tense and half-empty, with angry banners calling for owner Frank McCourt and president Pablo Longoria to leave. Those who attended booed the team onto the pitch.

‎Marseille started well as Amine Gouiri created a chance and scored to establish an early comfortable lead. Mason Greenwood added to the scoring, netting his 14th league goal thanks to Gouiri’s clever buildup.

‎But Strasbourg mounted a late fightback.

‎Sebastian Nanasi pulled one back, and in the 97th minute, a careless foul from Emerson Palmieri conceded the penalty that Joaquin Panichelli converted to seal Marseille’s misery.

‎Marseille now sit 12 points behind leaders Lens with 12 games remaining, their season in freefall.

‎Le Havre, Lyon, Auxerre and Others: Key Results Elsewhere

‎At the other end of the table, the Ligue 1 survival battle intensified.

‎Le Havre heroics

‎Despite captain Arouna Sangante being sent off after just two minutes, Le Havre AC beat Toulouse FC 2–1, with a brace from Issa Soumaré and a clever assist from new signing Sofiane Boufal.

‎Lyon’s resurgence

‎Olympique Lyonnais chased a 13th straight win as they hosted OGC Nice later in the evening, continuing one of the strongest recovery runs in Europe.

‎Relegation scrap

‎At the bottom, AJ Auxerre earned a vital 3–1 victory over FC Metz, plunging Metz deeper into trouble. Meanwhile, midtable FC Lorient beat Angers SCO 2–0.