OL v Lens tops and flops: Mata stands firm as Himbert delivers, Lyon’s shape in disarray

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·6 March 2026

OL v Lens tops and flops: Mata stands firm as Himbert delivers, Lyon’s shape in disarray

Lyon failed to unsettle Lens in the Coupe de France quarter-final, their use of the ball wasteful and the press suffocating. Clinton Mata was a defensive bulwark, while Rémi Himbert again made a telling contribution with one assist and one goal.

According to Le Progres, OL again struggled with Lens’s intensity, just as they had in Strasbourg. The gulf was particularly stark before the interval.

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More team-mates needed to match the commitment and bite of the Niakhaté and Mata pairing, who were quickly into their work to contain Sima and Edouard.

Niakhaté finished with five recoveries and five clearances, winning nine of 13 duels.

Even so, OL could not escape the Lens squeeze and rarely moved the visitors out of stride. Mata’s resilience and Himbert’s impact stood out amid an attacking plan in disarray.

Source: Le Progres