Lens thrashed Reims 2-1

When Kevin Danso was dismissed for a push on Folarin Balogun's back in the 19th minute, he gave up a penalty and inflicted the home team's ambitions an early setback. The Austrian defender had participated in every league game for Lens. Before Balogun converted from the penalty spot in the 23rd, there was a protracted VAR review. However, Przemyslaw Frankowski tied the score in the 39th when another penalty was given for a similar violation by booked Reims defender Yunis Abdelhamid. To go by two defenders and score in the 55th minute, Fofana displayed excellent control.

Midway through the second half, when Balogun went down under Brice Samba's charge, referee Jeremie Pignard initially gave the visitors another penalty but then changed his mind after reviewing video replays and punished the Reims striker for diving. After Lens repelled the visitors' late assaults, the local players celebrated their victory as if they had already qualified for Europe's top championship.