In a game that was both hard-fought and entertaining, it was the Gym who came away with a second straight win (0-1) at Bollaert, following their victory over Lille on Sunday. Lens, who were runners-up to PSG, had won all of their home games this season before tonight.

Like three days earlier, the Gym defeat an opponent from the north. Like three days earlier, Gaëtan Laborde was the only scorer (0-1), thanks to an assist from an 18-year-old youngster. In the 57th minute, Antoine Mendy flicked on a corner at the near post, and Laborde was there to finish at the back post. With Kasper Schmeichel's defence once again solid, the Red and Black come away from the Pas-de-Calais with a great win.

In a three-game week, after the victory against Lille (1-0) and before the trip to Marseille (Sunday at 8:45pm), Didier Digard decided to change his team's formation. The 4-3-3 was replaced by a 5-3-2, which gave Youssouf Ndayishimiye his first start in Ligue 1. The Burundian put in a convincing performance in the three-man defence alongside JC Todibo (then Viti after he came off) and Dante.

Throughout the evening, Nice showed their character on a Bollaert-Delelis pitch where the Sang et Or had taken 30 points out of a possible 30 so far in Ligue 1 this season.

Antoine Mendy, playing on the right side for his first start in the top flight, created the first big chance of the game but his powerful shot was turned away by Brice Samba (11'). It was again Mendy who looked dangerous with a volley (20') after Laborde had a chance (17'). Against the second-placed team in the league, the Aiglons tried to impose their game and control possession, even with their midfield anchor Boudaoui leaving the pitch injured in the 21st minute.

For 35 minutes, they did it perfectly, without leaving the slightest of spaces to the Lensois. The only moment when Todibo and his teammates had a scare in the first half was when Saïd tried to break through, but the northern striker failed to go around Schmeichel while Ndayishimiye and then Rosario sent the ball back to their keeper (35').

Gaëtan Laborde's opening goal was the reward for a team that started the second half with the same intensity as in the first. Ambitious, the Gym was then able to nullify the home side's attacks, despite Todibo's exit (58'), but also to continue to pose a threat going forward.

On two occasions, Fofana tried his luck. But Schmeichel (66') and then the crossbar (67') blocked the long-range efforts from the captain.

In keeping with their last few games, the Gym held on. Schmeichel (74', 78', 90+2'), Viti (84') and Ndayishimiye (86') were killing any hope that their opponents had. Khephren Thuram and Gaëtan Laborde both came close to doubling the lead with a fine run through the middle of the park (87') and a half-volley (90+1'), but were denied by a good Brice Samba.

But Laborde's goal was enough. It brings a third victory in four games for Didier Digard and his team. They will go to Marseille, the new second-placed team, on Sunday (kick-off 8.45pm), in 8th place, with 31 points and a little more confidence.