Openda still on fire as Lens jump up to second with Rennes win

PARIS : Lois Openda struck in the first half as RC Lens claimed a 1-0 win at Stade Rennais to leapfrop Olympique de Marseille into second place in the Ligue 1 standings on Saturday.

The Belgium striker found the back of the net for the 15th time this season in the league to put the northerners on 60 points from 29 games, ahead of OM on goal difference after the Provence side drew 1-1 with Montpellier on Friday.

Paris St Germain lead the standings on 66 points before hosting Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday.

Rennes are fifth on 50 points.

Lens, who are back on track after a four-match winless streak in February, went ahead in the 31st minute when Openda headed home from Florian Sotoca's cross for his sixth goal in his last three Ligue 1 games.

Rennes reacted immediately, only for Benjamin Bourigeaud's strike to crash onto the bar and Karl Toko Ekambi's attempt to go just wide before the break.

Sekou Fofana came close to doubling Lens's advantage in the second half, but his header went wide.

Keeper Brice Samba then made sure the visitors would leave the Roazhon Park with all three points with a couple of fine saves to deny Arnaud Kalimuendo and Bourigeaud as Franck Haise's team secured their third win in a row.