Lens and Lyon start Ligue 1 season with wins

The new French Ligue 1 season kicked off with strong performances from Racing Lens and Olympique Lyonnais, both of whom finished in the top four last season. Their opening day wins are expected to boost their confidence as they head into crucial Champions League fixtures.

Lens, participating in the Champions League qualifying rounds, achieved a commanding 5-2 home victory over a 10-man Auxerre. The goals for Lens came from Florian Thauvin (two penalties), Franjo Ivanovic, Saud Abdulhamid, and Ismaelo Ganiou. Auxerre managed to score through Danny Namaso (penalty) and Lamine Sy, but their efforts were hampered by the red card shown to Christ Makosso for a last-man foul.

Olympique Lyonnais secured a late 2-0 win at Toulouse, with Noah Nartey and Malick Fofana finding the net. Lyon faces Fenerbahce in a Champions League playoff second leg on Wednesday, with the tie currently level at 1-1.

Other matches on the opening weekend saw draws. Nice, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Lorient. Newly promoted Troyes also played out a goalless draw against Paris FC. Le Mans, another promoted side, drew 2-2 at home with Stade Brestois, despite coming from behind to take a 2-1 lead.