Lens thrashed Toulouse 3-0 on Saturday night in the Ligue 1 round 5 match at Stade de France. The result was a major blow to Toulouse's title aspirations and saw Lens move up to fourth place in the league table.
The match was dominated by Lens, who were able to control possession and create plenty of chances throughout the game. Toulouse struggled to get into their stride and were unable to find any way through Lens' defence.
The first goal came early in the second half when Lens forward Adama Tande scored a brilliant strike from outside the box. The second goal came moments later when Lens defender Benjamin Openda headed home a cross from the right flank. And then, just before the hour mark, Lens midfielder Emmanuel Petit added a third goal with a powerful shot from distance.
Toulouse manager Christophe Galtier admitted after the match that his team had been outplayed and that they would have to improve if they want to compete for the top spot in the league. "We were poor today," he said. "They played well and we didn't play well enough."
For Lens, this win is a significant step towards securing a top-four finish in the league and will give them confidence heading into the final few months of the season. They now face Paris Saint-Germain next weekend in what promises to be a closely contested clash.