Lens vs Lille: Lens secures first win of the season with stoppage-time goal from Bentaleb

### Lens Secures First Win of the Season with Stoppage-Time Goal from Bentaleb

In a thrilling finale to their league campaign, Lens secured their first victory of the season with a dramatic stoppage-time goal from midfielder Mohamed Bentaleb. The match was played on Sunday at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Lens, where the hosts looked to extend their lead over second-placed Montpellier.

The match began with both teams displaying high energy and attacking spirit. Lens dominated possession throughout the first half, creating several chances that were either saved or missed by Montpellier's defenders. However, it wasn't until the final minutes that the deadlock was broken.

In the 85th minute, Lens received a corner kick from the left side of the box. Bentaleb took advantage of the opportunity, positioning himself perfectly in front of the goal and delivering a low, accurate shot that beat Montpellier goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with ease. The ball deflected off the crossbar but still found its way into the net, giving Lens a deserved victory.

Bentaleb's goal was not just a crucial moment for Lens but also a morale booster for his team. It marked a significant turning point in what had been a challenging season for the French club, who had struggled with injuries and poor form early on. With this win, Lens now move up to third place in the table, having only lost once in the competition so far.

Montpellier, meanwhile, fell short after another strong performance from their home side. They controlled the majority of play but failed to capitalize on any opportunities, allowing Lens to secure a valuable point that could prove decisive in their title race.

The win also comes as a relief for Lens manager Laurent Blanc, who has been facing criticism for his team's inconsistency throughout the season. This victory is a positive step forward and shows that the club is capable of producing quality results when needed.

As Lens look to maintain their momentum in the league, they will need to continue to perform at their best against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, two teams that have been dominant this season. Nevertheless, the win over Montpellier provides them with a solid foundation for future success.