RC Lens – LOSC Lille: Derby Du Nord Stays In Lens (3-0)

An unassailable triumph for the hosts, who, after a strong start from Les Dogues, grew into the match through their compact block and the brilliance of their playmakers.

Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz.

The Derby du Nord had always carried a special magnetism in French football. The historic rivalry between Lens and Lille turned every edition into a chapter full of passion, regional pride, and, above all, football. This time, the match came with a particularly intriguing context: Lille, unbeaten at the start of Ligue 1 (three wins and one draw), looked to reaffirm its candidacy for the top spots; whilst Lens, with two wins and two defeats, needed a victory to recover ground and climb the table.

The stage was ideal: the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, a stadium that breathed mining identity, dressed up to welcome its eternal rival. The torrential rain that accompanied much of the evening only reinforced the epic atmosphere, with the home crowd turning every gust of wind into fuel for their team.

As for the protagonists, Pierre Sage opted for his classic 5-2-3 setup with Robin Risser in goal; a back three of Jonathan Gradit, Samson Baidoo, and Malang Sarr, flanked by Ruben Aguilar and Matthieu Udol as wingbacks; Mamadou Sangare and Adrien Thomasson forming the double pivot; and an attacking trident of great talent and mobility with Florian Thauvin and Wesley Saïd behind Rayan Fofana, the reference in attack.

On the other side, Bruno Genesio’s Lille lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to consolidate its identity. In goal stood Berke Özer; in defense, Chancel Mbemba and Nathan Ngoy as the . . .