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Last season's Ligue 1 runners-up, Lens, kicked off their new campaign with a dominant 5-2 victory over Auxerre. This impressive win comes just a week after their 1-0 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain in the French Super Cup.
The match at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis was eventful, featuring three penalties and a red card for Auxerre's Christ Makosso in the 35th minute, at which point the score was still a narrow 1-0.
Lens captain Florian Thauvin opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. He later sealed the 5-2 victory in the 88th minute, converting another spot-kick.
Despite only holding a one-goal lead at halftime, Lens' numerical advantage eventually told. Franjo Ivanovic doubled their lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute, and just five minutes later, Saud Abdulhamid made it 3-0, effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Dany Namaso (61') pulled one back for Auxerre from a penalty, but Pierre Ganiou (66') quickly restored Lens' significant lead. Lamine Sy (70') again reduced the deficit before Thauvin's late penalty wrapped things up.
Lens, who will compete in the Champions League this season, will travel to Strasbourg for their next Ligue 1 fixture. Auxerre, meanwhile, will host Angers.
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