PARIS (AP) — Defender Ruben Aguilar was sent off shortly after scoring the team’s second goal as Lens rallied to beat Rennes 3-1 on Saturday to move to the top of Ligue 1.
New signing Alain Saint-Maximin scored a superb third goal late on to put Lens a point ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who face arch-rivals Marseille on Sunday.
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In the 54th minute, French winger Florian Thauvin made a pass from the left, and Aguilar headed the goal from close range. Two minutes later the goalscorer was shown a second yellow card for a clumsy foul from behind.
Although there were only 10 men in the team, Lens scored again in the 78th minute when goalkeeper Robin Risser’s long kick was expertly controlled by Saint-Maximin on the left wing. He then beat two defenders while dribbling quickly before firing a turnaround shot into the corner and celebrating with a back somersault.
Saint-Maximin turns 29 next month. He was considered a teenage prodigy when he burst onto the scene at Saint-Etienne twelve years ago, but despite some glorious spells in the Premier League with Nice and Newcastle, his career didn’t live up to expectations.
He moved to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, spent an unhappy loan spell at Turkish side Fenerbahce, then had a brief spell with Club America in Mexico before joining Lens at the end of the winter transfer window.
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He has the chance to restart his career as Lens compete for the league and Coupe de France double.
Forward Esteban Le Paul gave Rennes an early lead with a fine finish after Arnaud Nordin’s clever movement found him and slotted him in behind the left-back.
Lens equalized on the stroke of half-time when forward Odsonne Édouard latched on to a long ball, fended off a defender and fired a shot through the legs of goalkeeper Mathys Silistrie.
Brest host Lorient later on Saturday, with a resurgent Lyon looking to make it 12th straight win in all competitions away from Nantes.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
