RC Lens defeated FC Nantes 1-0 on Friday evening at Bollaert-Delelis, securing qualification for next season's Champions League. The loss confirmed Nantes' relegation to Ligue 2.
The 16-year-old midfielder Mezian Mesloub scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute, just 18 seconds after coming on. His angled shot opened the scoring for the Sang et Or, who were missing several key players.
Nantes, led by coach Vahid Halilhodzic, failed to capitalize on their chances. Matthis Abline notably missed a counter-attack by hitting the post in the 76th minute.
After fifteen years in Ligue 1, the Canaries drop to Ligue 2 for the first time since 2009. Coach Halilhodzic said: « I am really sad, I cannot talk to you. »
Defender Nicolas Cozza added: « There is a lot of disappointment, frustration. Survival was not decided only on this match. » Lens, for their part, will play the Coupe de France final on May 22 against Nice.
