(Ligue 1 2024/2025): Highlights RENNAIS - RC LENS

Both Rennes and Lens were looking for their third win of the season as they went head-to-head at Roaison Park on Matchday 5. Rennes had been victorious in both of their home games so far in the new campaign, but to keep that run up, they would have to snap an eight-game winless sequence against visitors Lens. The Blood and Gold were one of only four unbeaten teams coming into the weekend as they aimed to extend their tally of seven Ligue 1 games without a loss, stretching back to the end of last season. The first glimpse of goal would go to Rennes as Lorenz Assignon set up Arnaud Kalimwendo for a shot which spun away off the boot of defender Kusanov. It was so nearly an own goal from the Uzbekistan international after 19 minutes. He touched it just wide into the side netting, but just seconds later there would be more danger for the Lens backline to deal with. Ludovic Blas would pick up the ball in the right-hand corner. He darted towards the penalty area and the ball came out kindly for Albert Grünbeck. His shot from the angle was turned behind well by Brice Samba in the Lens goal. When Rennes got another corner just three minutes later, their early pressure would finally tell. Baptiste Santamaria was fouled by Abdelkader Kusanov as he attempted to clear the defender a split second too late. As he went to put his right foot through the ball, Arnaud Kalimwendo would be the one with the pressure from the penalty spot. But he made light of that pressure, tucking the ball into the corner. A muted celebration from Kalimwendo, having spent smells on loan with Lens in the past. But he converted from the spot for his second successive goal in two games for Rennes. And it was the only goal of the first 45 minutes. Rennes nearly had another one just after the hour mark. Blas got the ball over to Grünbeck, who went for goal immediately and forced keeper Samba into a full stretch diving save to keep his team just one behind. And the Lens forwards should have repaid their keepers good work soon after. Fulgini's brilliant cross was headed just wide by Mbala and Zola. But it would be late drama deep into stoppage time. Facundo Medina's cross was punched by Steve Mandanda, but he didn't connect with it. And Mbala and Zola was there to slot in the loose ball for the late, late leveller. Rennes had some protests. The referee would check VAR for a foul on the keeper by Wesley Said. But after a lengthy check, he would make his decision. Mandanda was put under pressure by Said, but Mandanda punched the ball before the contact with Said. And the referee gave the goal, much to the delight of the travelling Lens faithful. The late equaliser was their second stoppage time rescue in the last three games. After 100 minutes, the game was over and Lens just about managed to remain unbeaten under coach Will Still in this season. Frustration for Rennes, who lost the lead right at the end. But both teams would have to make do with a point.