Le Havre absorb early pressure and nearly punish Lens

Lens started with the urgency of a team chasing more than just three points. They pinned Le Havre back early and created openings down the flanks, forcing the visitors into last-ditch defending and quick clearances.

Yet Le Havre had their moments. A sharp break ended with a shot that demanded a solid stop from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, and the visitors grew into the contest as the half wore on. For a spell, Lens had possession  but not the clean final touch.

Aguilar’s stoppage-time volley changes the match

Just when it looked like Le Havre would survive the half unscathed, Lens found the decisive moment. Matthieu Udol swung a teasing cross towards the back post in added time, and Ruben Aguilar met it with a controlled side-foot volley that beat Mpasi.

Fans may be surprised how often a match swings in the final seconds of a half. Defend well for 45 minutes, switch off once, and you’re chasing. This changes everything.

Second-half pressure, big saves, and a VAR twist

Le Havre came out with more intent after the break. A dangerous set-piece found an unmarked header that forced Lens keeper Robin Risser into a sharp save, and the visitors threatened again around the hour mark as Lens briefly wobbled.

Lens thought they had breathing room when a second goal was bundled in, but VAR intervened and overturned it for a handball in the build-up. Suddenly, the match tightened again  and Stade Bollaert-Delelis held its breath.

Late scare, long stoppage time, and Lens hold on

The final stretch turned tense. Lens had chances to finish it but couldn’t hit the target, while Le Havre launched one last push  including a deflected long-range effort that drifted narrowly wide.

With 12 minutes of added time, there was enough space for late drama. In the end, Lens’ defensive discipline and Risser’s saves ensured that Aguilar’s single strike was enough.

What the result means

The win lifted Lens back to the top of Ligue 1 for at least 24 hours and extended a remarkable run: nine league wins in their last ten and ten straight home victories. It also helped them put a previous setback behind them in the most convincing way possible  by winning.

For Le Havre, the story remains frustratingly familiar away from home: decent spells, a few moments of threat, but not enough goals to turn effort into points.