Marseille beat Lens 2-1 days after the 9-1 Como humiliation

Lens needed a reaction. Instead, they got another defeat. On Sunday, Marseille won 2-1 at Bollaert, Lens' home ground, just four days after the Northern French club were crushed 9-1 by Italy's Como in the Champions League.

What happened?

The night started badly before kick-off. Lens fans unfurled a banner reading: "You are the shame of 120 years of history." That was the welcome the players got for the 10th round of Ligue 1 (France's top flight).

Things got worse after two minutes. Jonathan Gradit's careless back pass fell straight to Amine Gouiri, who tapped into an empty net for his seventh goal of the season.

Lens hit back in the 20th minute. Florian Thauvin, the captain, headed in a Florian Sotoca cross for his fifth goal of the season. Thauvin spent eight Ligue 1 seasons in a Marseille shirt, so it felt personal.

A long stalemate, then a late sting

A goal-fest looked likely, but the score stayed at 1-1 for a long time. Marseille dominated the first half without scoring again. Gouiri hit the bar, and Amine Harit fired a powerful shot that Lens keeper Robin Risser kept out.

Lens also had a chance just before the break, after a risky clearance from Marseille's Igor Paixao. After the interval, clear chances were rare for both teams.

Then, in the 82nd minute, Gouiri missed right on the goal line. Keyliane Abdallah, a 20-year-old Marseille academy product, followed up and scored the winner.

What does it mean for the table?

After 10 games, Lens sit 11th with 13 points. Last season they finished as runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain.

Marseille, coached by Bruno Genesio, are fourth with 18 points and have now won five league games in a row. They also benefited from Lyon's 2-0 loss at Brest.

Lens now face a two-week international break with plenty to think about. Their coach, Yannick Cahuzac, has some work to do.