Lens reclaimed top spot from Paris Saint-Germain to keep up their unexpected Ligue 1 title challenge as they beat Rennes 3-1 on Saturday to register a 10th successive home win.
𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓(en)𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆. 🌋
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) February 7, 2026
Menés rapidement et réduits à dix en seconde période, les Sang et Or ont livré un match plein pour remporter leur 🔟e victoire de suite à Bollaert-Delelis, égalant la série record de 2022/23. Merci Lensois ! 👏
RC Lens 3⃣-1⃣ @staderennais #RCLSRFC pic.twitter.com/sAeXBHLwJO
Esteban Lepaul steered Rennes into an early lead in northern France when he slid home a pass from new signing Arnaud Nordin for his 10th goal of the season.
Former Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard brought Lens level before half-time and Ruben Aguilar headed in a cross from Florian Thauvin to put Lens ahead eight minutes into the second half.
Aguilar's joy was cut short when he was sent off shortly afterwards for a second yellow card, but 10-man Lens held on and grabbed a third goal through ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
Lens have won 10 of their last 11 games in the French top flight and hold a one-point lead over PSG, who host bitter rivals Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
However, Lens coach Pierre Sage said he did not consider his team to be in a genuine title race with PSG, and primarily wants to focus on securing European football for next season.
"We're completely distancing ourselves from that," he said. "We had a points target in mind and once we've reached that we can start drawing up other ambitions."
Lyon edged Nantes 1-0 away from home to earn a sixth straight league win that sent them above Marseille and into third place.
Pavel Sulc struck the only goal in the first half, with Real Madrid loanee Endrick sent off on the hour for swinging his leg at Dehmaine Tabibou.
Nantes have taken just three points from their past eight games and sit in the relegation playoff spot.
French Cup quarterfinalists Lorient saw their 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions ended by a 2-0 loss at Brest.