LILLE, France (Reuters) – Two goals from Edon Zhegrova secured a 2-1 victory for Lille over RC Lens in the Derby du Nord on Friday, propelling them temporarily into third place in Ligue 1.
With 46 points, Lille overtook AS Monaco on goal difference, who are scheduled to face Metz on Saturday, and are just one point behind Brest, who will take on Lorient on Sunday. Lens, on the other hand, remain in sixth place with 42 points.
The home team weathered early pressure from Lens before taking the lead in the ninth minute. Nabil Bentaleb delivered a long pass that Zhegrova expertly controlled before entering the box and slotting the ball past Brice Samba.
Lens encountered further adversity when Facundo Medina received a red card for a foul on Zhegrova in the 34th minute, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Despite their efforts, the visitors failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Zhegrova extended Lille’s lead in the 60th minute. Gabriel Gudmundsson evaded Przemyslaw Frankowski on the left flank, advanced into the box, and although Samba blocked his initial attempt with a stretched leg, Zhegrova was on hand to tuck away the rebound.
Lens managed to pull one back with 12 minutes remaining, as Elye Wahi received a pass from Medina and found the net with a left-footed strike, marking his fifth goal in the last six matches. However, they were unable to find an equalizer as Lille held on for the win.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes)
