Lens hammer Auxerre thanks to Thauvin penalty double
Lens thumped Auxerre 5-2 in their first game of the French Ligue 1 season, while Le Mans drew 2-2 with Brest in their first top-flight game since 2010.
Lens secured a commanding 5-2 victory over Auxerre in their opening Ligue 1 match of the season on Saturday, thanks to a brace of penalties from captain Florian Thauvin. Thauvin converted penalties either side of halftime as the team began their campaign strong, reminiscent of their successful second-place finish last season. Auxerre, meanwhile, fell to just their second loss of the season, with defender Christ Massoko receiving a red card in the first half for fouling Lens attacker Abdallah Sima.
Thauvin opened the scoring in the 12th minute after Belgian midfielder Arthur Piedfort handled in the Auxerre box. Lens maintained their dominance after the break, with new recruit Franjo Ivanovic scoring his first league goal in the 49th minute, followed by a pass from Ivanovic leading to Thauvin setting up Saud Abdulhamid for a second goal.
Danny Namaso equalized for Auxerre with a penalty just before halftime, but Lens' Ismael Ganiou added a third goal before Lamine Sy scored a consolation for Auxerre. Lens' Thauvin completed his hat-trick with a second penalty in the 86th minute.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Lens hammer Auxerre thanks to Thauvin penalty double freemalaysiatoday.com
- Lens hammer Auxerre thanks to Thauvin penalty double nst.com.my
