PARIS (AP) — Defender Ruben Aguilar was sent off moments after scoring his team’s second goal as Lens rallied to beat Rennes 3-1 to go top of Ligue 1 on Saturday.
New signing Allan Saint-Maximin grabbed a superb third goal late on to help Lens move one point ahead of defending champion Paris Saint-Germain, which plays bitter rival Marseille on Sunday.
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France winger Florian Thauvin set up Aguilar for a close-range header with a neat cross from the left in the 54th minute. Two minutes later, the scorer was shown a second yellow card following a clumsy challenge from behind.
Despite being down to 10 men, Lens scored again in the 78th when goalkeeper Robin Risser’s long kick was expertly controlled by Saint-Maximin on the left flank. He then beat two defenders while dribbling at speed before firing a swerving shot into the corner and celebrating with a back summersault.
Saint-Maximin turns 29 next month. Twelve years ago he was considered a teenage prodigy when he broke onto the scene with Saint-Etienne, but his career has not matched expectations despite some bright spells at Nice and Newcastle in the Premier League.
He moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, had an unhappy loan spell at Turkish side Fenerbahce and then played briefly for Club América in Mexico before joining Lens at the end of the winter transfer window.
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With Lens in contention for the league and French Cup double, he has a chance to relaunch his career.
Forward Esteban Le Paul gave Rennes an early lead with a neat finish after Arnaud Nordin spotted his clever run and played him in behind the left back.
Lens equalized near halftime when striker Odsonne Édouard latched onto a long ball and held off a defender before shooting through goalkeeper Mathys Silistrie’s legs.
Later Saturday, Brest hosts Lorient and resurgent Lyon looks for a 12th straight win in all competitions away to Nantes.
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