Lens zoom out of relegation zone

PARIS: Lens beat mid-table Nice 2-0 on Friday to secure a vital win their relegation battle and move provisionally out of the relegation zone.

Both sides entered the game having won only one of their previous five games, but Lens were more threatening.

Shortly after Nice hit the crossbar, Lens scored in the 38th minute when 19-year-old Wylan Cyprien beat goalkeeper Simon Pouplin with a slightly deflected shot following a cross from fellow midfielder Lalaina Nomenjanahary.

Veteran striker Adamo Coulibaly ensured the win in the 86th, beating two defenders before side-footing the ball confidently past Pouplin.

Lens, who are provisionally up to 16th spot ahead of this weekend’s matches, head into the winter break with 19 points - one place above Evian, who have 19 points despite playing two games less.