Lens moved up to sixth position in the French league on Saturday after defeating lowly Nantes 1-0 thanks to a goal early in the second half from David Pereira da Costa. The Portuguese winger scored with a low, angled shot in the 48th minute, after his first-minute effort against the crossbar.
Lens is now tied for fifth position with Lille, who play struggling Clermont on Sunday and have a higher goal differential. Nantes, who at times displayed strong competition, saw striker Tino Kadewere's goal disallowed in the 20th minute. Within the 18-team league, it is ranked 13th. In another match, Montpellier loses to Rennes 2-1 thanks to another Terrier goal. Martin Terrier scored once again for Rennes following two goals in a 3-2 victory against Lyon in the previous round, the dynamic forward gave Rennes the lead in the third minute by tapping in after his initial attempt had struck the crossbar. Rennes managed to maintain their ninth-place position.