Belgian Lois Openda confidently netted one and proceeded to set up another as Lens, losing only once in Ligue 1 this season, masterfully closed the gap on PSG at the top to four points after 17 rounds.<\/p>\n
Paris Saint-Germain, in the absences of World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Neymar, lost for the first time in any competition since March 20 last year when they were vanquished 3-1 at Lens on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cLens deserved their win,\u201d said PSG coach Christophe Galtier.<\/p>\n
Openda was a joy to watch as he scored one and set up another to help Lens close the gap on PSG at the top to four points.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are happy to be four points behind,\u201d said Lens coach Franck Haise. \u201cThis victory proves that we can beat anyone in this championship.\u201d<\/p>\n
In comparison PSG\u2019s last loss was more than nine months ago losing 3-0 at Monaco in Ligue 1, which still left them 12 points clear at the top of the table.<\/p>\n
Although not intended to be an excuse of any sort, on Sunday at Lens PSG were without Messi and the suspended Neymar although Qatar Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe was given a rousing welcome from the Lens fans as he warmed up.<\/p>\n
Galtier expressed his hope that French fans would give Messi a similar reception when he returns on January 3rd.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s going to join us on January 3, in 48 hours,\u201d said Galtier. \u201cI hope Leo will be well received. He won the most beautiful trophy by being very good. We know he\u2019s a great and decisive player so we hope he\u2019ll be well received obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKylian worked had,\u201d said Galtier. \u201cHe showed a very good attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeo and \u2018Ney\u2019 were not there but that is no excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lens had surged into the lead after five minutes when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked an effort from Massadio Haidara to Przemyslaw Frankowski who scored.<\/p>\n
Hugo Ekitike responded affirmatively minutes later, causing Brice Samba to dive to gather a cross and drive the ball through the Lens goalkeeper\u2019s grasp.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"