Lens reclaim Ligue 1 summit with victory against Rennes

Lens took back the top position in Ligue 1 from Paris Saint-Germain, sustaining their surprising push for the title by overcoming Rennes 3-1 on Saturday and securing a 10th consecutive home victory.

Esteban Lepaul put Rennes ahead early in the match in northern France by finishing a pass from recent addition Arnaud Nordin, marking his 10th goal this campaign.

Ex-Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Edouard drew Lens level just before the interval, then Ruben Aguilar nodded in a delivery from Florian Thauvin to hand Lens the advantage eight minutes into the second period.

Aguilars elation proved short-lived as he picked up a second yellow card moments later and was dismissed, yet Lens with 10 players defended stoutly and netted a third via former Newcastle wide man Allan Saint-Maximin.

Lens have claimed victory in 10 of their most recent 11 outings in the French elite division and now sit one point clear of PSG, who will entertain longstanding adversaries Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Lyon head to Nantes later on Saturday aiming for a sixth successive league success that would lift them beyond Marseille into third spot.