Medina keeping Lens focus | OneFootball

RC Lens' success this season owes plenty to defender Facundo Medina, the Argentine having a massively steadying impact at the back. This has allowed the forwards to shine - and earned Medina a place in the hearts of Lens' fervent fans.

There are evenings that you look forward to more than others, dates that you tick off in your calendar, matches that you wouldn't miss for anything in the world. Two hours before the clash with Marseille, the whole of Lens came together as one to encourage their team. "It’s a very important match for everyone, for all the supporters. We have to win it to finish at least second," one fan outside the stadium told the Ligue 1 Show on beIN SPORTS, with his friend following up. "It’s a big, big game, and it's been a long time since we've seen that. We’ll leave Paris above us, but it's good to see two good teams who are going to play in Europe." Fan favourite

In this battle for second place, Les Sang-et-Or faced the third-best attack in France, led by Alexis Sanchez. But in Lens, there is another South American fan favourite: Facundo Medina. The man from Villa Fiorito in Buenos Aires has become the symbol of Lens’ solidity this season, and is a big part as to why Racing have the best defence in the league. "This player is magnificent, he is incredible. With Medina, there's nothing that gets past him," said one breathless Sang-et-Or fan before his mate chimed in. "I would like him to stay for another two or three years if he wants! Right now, he is one of the best defenders in Ligue 1." But it's not just Medina's success, it's his attitude that has the fans all astir. "He's a guy who is like us, he gives everything on the pitch and we're the same," said another Lens fan, a man hoping to drive his side on to success from the kop. "We give everything in the stands and I hope that tonight we'll win."

RC LENS - OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (2-1) / Highlights (RCL - OM) 2022/2023

"We had to be able to play under that pressure, at least at the start we knew there was going to be some," admitted Lens coach Franck Haise. "We knew there would be a lot of pressure, pressing, and one-on-ones." Medina and his teammates were bullied a little early in the match - before getting back into the game, thanks to their defence. The stakes of the match increase the pressure on the players, and Medina is not immune to this. But the Argentine showed that he is a strong character. First to the Marseille bench, and then in an aerial challenge.

Fighting spirit

"When we went looking for him three years ago, we knew what kind of player he was," explained Haise. "And in his matches you could see the grinta, the fighting spirit, that characterises him." Just like in his 28 other starts this season, Medina showed that he is a rock and is almost impossible to pass – a wall that allows the attackers in front to shine. In the second half, it was the same story – Marseille stumbled when facing the Lens rear-guard, and were punished.

Goal Ikoma-Loïs OPENDA (60 - RCL) / RC LENS - OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (2-1) / 22/23

An imperious defender, Lens’ number 14 has made the most forward passes in Ligue 1, also progressing the most with the ball at his feet – proof of his progress since his arrival in the north in July 2020. "He's a great guy as well as being a great player," Haise declared, "and he has grown with the club over the last 3 years."

Goal Dimitri PAYET (88 - OM) / RC LENS - OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE (2-1) / 22/23

He couldn’t do anything to stop Dimitri Payet's goal. However, it’s one that will not tarnish the beautiful evening had by Medina and Lens, who are dreaming of an historic end to the season. Aiming high!

"If we manage to finish in second place, we will obviously be happy. That's one of our many objectives. But, we will do everything to finish as high as possible by trying to win our last four games, and then we will see what the other team [PSG] does. Medina and friends are now two points clear of Marseille in second, with four matches left to play. A win at home to Reims on Friday could well spell Champions League football for Franck Haise and his men... watch this space!