Rennes 2 Lens 0

Paul-Georges Ntep scored twice as Rennes defeated Lens 2-0 in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening.

The striker netted the opener in the 54th minute before making sure of the win for the hosts six minutes before the final whistle.

The result marked Rennes' third win of the season and saw them climb to 12th place, while Lens slipped into the bottom three.

Abdoulaye Doucoure had the first chance of the match when he went close for Rennes in the sixth minute, forcing a save from Lens goalkeeper Rudy Riou with a sharp volley from the near post.

Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil, meanwhile, was tested midway through the first half by Wylan Cyprien and made a block in Lens' only meaningful effort of the first period.

Doucoure headed over on the half-hour mark and again shortly before half-time, with Riou making the save to deny the Rennes midfielder.

After the break, Rennes finally opened the scoring thanks to Ntep after he linked up well with Doucoure and curled in an effort with his right foot.

Costil made a save at the other end to keep out Pablo Chavarria's strike and there were no other chances on goal until Ntep's second in the 84th minute.

The France Under-21 international latched onto an excellent through-pass by Doucoure and beat several defenders before coolly slotting home.

Riou denied Ntep a hat-trick as he saved his shot in the 89th minute. He could only parry it as far as Steven Moreia, but then also managed to block his effort.