Nabil Bentaleb dictates derby as Lille overpower Lens 3-0 | OneFootball

Nabil Bentaleb ran the midfield as Lille beat Lens 3-0 on Saturday night at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve d'Asq. The Algerian did not score or assist, yet his control set the tone for a derby that means plenty to a Wazemmes native.

L'Équipe notes that his feel for when to quicken or slow play, and when to go short or long, was at times outstanding. Matias Fernandez-Pardo scored and made one, and Hakon Haraldsson knitted moves together.

Just before the break, he drew a foul as Adrien Thomasson, booked in the 45+5, tried to win the ball, the Algerian shielding firmly. Lille’s resurgence in recent weeks has owed much to his impact, especially without captain Benjamin André.

After a shoulder injury in January, he returned as a starter against Lorient and has strung together strong displays. Coach Bruno Genesio said he has been excellent at Rennes, 2-1 on 15 March, and at Marseille, 2-1 on the 22nd, and that the sentinel role suits him. He added that specific instructions were applied to the letter, praising Bentaleb’s intelligence and adaptability despite limited preparation time.

Aïssa Mandi also hailed his command of midfield but stressed the collective effort. Bentaleb, sidelined for eight months after a cardiac incident in June 2024, said he feels good, that Lille have grown after early-season difficulties, and that this is among his best spells at the club. He hopes to go to the World Cup, and if he keeps this up, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic will find him hard to ignore.

Source: L'Équipe