Esteban Lepaul steered Rennes into an early lead in northern France when he slid home a pass from new signing Arnaud Nordin for his 10th goal of the season.
Former Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard brought Lens level before half-time Ruben Aguilar headed in a cross from Florian Thauvin to put Lens ahead eight minutes into the second half.
Aguilar’s joy was cut short when he was sent off shortly after for a second yellow card, but 10-man Lens held on and grabbed a third through ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
Lens have won 10 of their last 11 games in the French top flight and hold a one-point lead over PSG, who host bitter rivals Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
Lyon travel to Nantes later on Saturday seeking a sixth straight league win that would send them above Marseille and into third place.
© 2026 AFP
