Central Plains FFA Chapter

12/06 12:37 CST Thauvin shines as Lens keeps top spot in France with win at Nantes Thauvin shines as Lens keeps top spot in France with win at Nantes PARIS (AP) --- Lens stayed atop Ligue 1 after Florian Thauvin was decisive again with the opening goal in a 2-1 win at Nantes on Saturday. Wesley Sad scored the winner in the 81st minute as Lens extended its winning streak to five matches. Youssef El-Arabi leveled the scoring for the host. Lens moved to the top of the standings for the first time in 21 years last weekend after Thauvin's brace in a 2-1 win at Angers. The 2018 World Cup winner is enjoying a revival since his return to the league from Italian side Udinese this summer. The 32-year-old winger has five goals and has delivered two assists in 15 league matches. His performances have earned him a recall from France following a six-year absence. Lens has a four-point lead over defending champion Paris Saint-Germain. Following its second loss of the season at Monaco, PSG later hosted Rennes before a trip to Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League next week. Lens dominated early and Thauvin put the visitors ahead in the 34th minute with a header from Ruben Aguilar's excellent cross. Lens could not hold onto its lead for long, though, as Matthis Abline was fouled in the box, giving El-Arabi the chance to level from the spot. Goalkeeper Robin Risser parried away his effort but the 38-year-old forward scored from the rebound. Lens pushed hard toward the end and finally broke the stalemate when Sad cut a cross from Matthieu Udol to bag his sixth league goal. Marseille lags five points behind Lens in third place after losing to Lille 1-0 on Friday. Fourth-placed Lille tied third-placed Marseille on points in the table. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer