Ligue 1
Lens Cruise Past Auxerre 5-2 in Ligue 1 Opener Behind Thauvin Brace
Flicker Thauvin's double and a dominant second half fire Lens to a commanding opening-day victory at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens kicked off their Ligue 1 campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over visiting Auxerre at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, delivering a statement of intent on the opening day of the regular season. The hosts took a dream start inside twelve minutes when F. Thauvin converted a penalty to send the home crowd into raptures. Despite a disciplined shape under coach Dino Toppmoller, Lens struggled to extend their lead before the break, with Auxerre growing into the contest. The visitors thought they had pulled one back just before halftime, but the officials correctly ruled it out for offside. Auxerre's task grew steeper in the 35th minute when C. Makosso saw red for a reckless challenge, leaving his side to fight for the remaining 55 minutes with ten men. The second half exploded into life in the 49th minute when F. Ivanovic fired home a stunning strike, with A. Sima providing the assist to restore Lens's two-goal cushion.