Could Lens really win the Ligue 1 title this season?

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On the midway level within the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Racing Membership de Lens discover themselves simply three factors shy of Paris Saint-Germain. Can Franck Haise’s facet go all the best way this 12 months?

When Lens claimed a massively spectacular 3-1 victory over PSG on New 12 months’s Day, the membership’s desires of securing solely a second top-flight title turned extra of a actuality.

Let’s not overlook that Lens solely gained promotion to Ligue 1 in 2019-20, having spent 5 seasons within the second tier. Following back-to-back seventh-place finishes in 2020-21 and 2021-22, they’ve taken their recreation to a different stage in 2022-23.

Consider it or not, Lens have misplaced simply considered one of their 19 league matches this season – choosing up 13 wins and 5 attracts alongside the best way. Additionally they boast the perfect defensive file within the division, having conceded a measly 13 targets.

Brice Samba has performed a key position within the Blood and Gold’s unlikely title cost this season, as the previous Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has stored 9 clear sheets within the league.

On the reverse finish of the pitch, high scorer Lois Openda has netted 9 Ligue 1 targets this time period, whereas Florian Sotoca has bagged six targets and 7 assists. Wesley Sais has scored 5 targets, with Seko Fofana contributing three targets and three assists.

Haise’s males kicked off their marketing campaign with a nine-game unbeaten streak, notching six wins and three attracts. After that, they suffered their first and solely defeat of the season – dropping 1-0 to Lille on the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Since then, Lens have chalked up one other nine-game unbeaten run – this time reaching seven wins and two attracts – and so they even managed 5 straight victories earlier than the World Cup.

The Pas-de-Calais outfit’s sole Ligue 1 title got here again in 1997-98, once they completed stage with second-placed Metz on 68 factors and triumphed on purpose distinction. Throughout their glory years, additionally they completed as runners-up in 2001-02.

It’s price noting that Lens have suffered three relegations since then, however they’ve managed to bounce again each time. That mentioned, they haven’t completed greater than sixth since 2007-08.

With PSG struggling two defeats in three league outings for the reason that flip of the 12 months, Lens have closed the hole in latest weeks. If Haise’s males keep it up the best way they’re going, they are going to push the Parisians all the best way.