Lens secured a 3-1 victory over Rennes at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday, propelled to the top of Ligue 1 despite a dramatic sequence of events involving defender Ruben Aguilar. Aguilar scored to give his team the lead but was then sent off just moments later. New signing Allan Saint-Maximin sealed the win with a late goal, putting Lens one point ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Rennes took an early lead in the 8th minute when Estéban Lepaul capitalized on a through ball from Arnaud Nordin, slotting it past goalkeeper Robin Risser. Lepaul's goal was his tenth of the Ligue 1 season, placing him third in the scoring charts.

Lens responded strongly, gradually asserting control over the match. Striker Odsonne Édouard leveled the score in the 41st minute, holding off a defender before shooting through goalkeeper Mathys Silistrie's legs.

The second half saw Lens continue their dominance. In the 54th minute, Florian Thauvin delivered a precise cross from the left, which Aguilar headed into the net to give Lens the lead. However, Aguilar's joy was short-lived, as he received a second yellow card just two minutes later for a clumsy challenge from behind and was sent off.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Lens continued to press. Goalkeeper Robin Risser's long kick in the 78th minute found Allan Saint-Maximin on the left flank. Saint-Maximin expertly controlled the ball, dribbled past two defenders at speed, and unleashed a swerving shot into the corner of the net, sealing the victory for Lens. He celebrated with a back summersault.

Saint-Maximin, who will turn 29 next month, joined Lens at the end of the winter transfer window. Once considered a teenage prodigy, his career has seen bright spells at Nice and Newcastle in the Premier League, but he now has an opportunity to relaunch his career with Lens.

Rennes' defender Jérémy Jacquet, who is set to join Premier League champions Liverpool next season, was forced off in the second half due to a shoulder injury. Rennes have now gone four Ligue 1 matches without a win. Lens had slightly more possession with 51.6%. Rennes had 13 attempts but only one on target.

With this win, Lens climbed to the top of the Ligue 1 table with 49 points, one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, who are second with 48 points. Marseille and Lyon are joint third with 39 points. Rennes are now sixth with 31 points. Lens will visit Paris FC next.