Lens deal setback in title chase with defeat to Lorient

Lens lost an opportunity to claim the top spot in Ligue 1 and increase pressure on Paris Saint-Germain following a 2-1 defeat away to Lorient on Saturday.

Under Pierre Sage, the team sought to extend their lead over PSG by two points at the top, as the current holders are sitting out league action this weekend to prepare for their Champions League last-16 return fixture against Chelsea on Tuesday.

However, Lens, who are pursuing their second Ligue 1 crown and the first since 1998, endured a damaging loss and have secured just one victory in their previous four league outings.

Bamba Dieng gave Lorient the edge in the 18th minute, forcing the ball over the line from near range on his second effort following a poorly defended corner by Lens.

The away side responded soon after the break, with Odsonne Edouard picking up possession in the Lorient half, driving forward to the box's perimeter, and firing a low strike into the bottom corner for his 10th goal in the league this term.

Lens gained control and nearly seized the lead just before the hour when Florian Thauvin nodded a corner just above the crossbar.

Yet Lorient restored their lead in the 65th minute, as Aiyegun Tosin poked the ball home from virtually on the line after managing to keep Arsene Kouassi's delivery under control.

Lens mounted intense late pressure through multiple set plays but failed to draw level once more.

Lorient rose to eighth position in the standings, trailing sixth-placed Lille by only four points, with Lille set to face fifth-placed Rennes on Sunday in the push for European spots.