Lens' life after Openda and Fofana: What goes up - must come down

Stade Brestois came from 2-0 behind to beat last year's second-placed Ligue 1 team Lens in a sensational game at Francis-Le Ble in Brest.

The main question for Les Lensois this season is how they are going to navigate through both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League campaign with a squad heavily depleted by the departures of two key players, captain Seko Fofana and top goalscorer Louis Openda.

The way the visitors played in the furthest northwest corner of France in the first half-hour, you'd assume they would look even better, with striker Florian Sotoca and left-back Deiver Machado giving Le Racing a 2-0 lead after just 22 minutes. But games last longer than 22 minutes.

The hosts scored just before the break, Romain Del Castillo converting from the spot. It was the turning point.

When the teams re-emerged from their dressing rooms to resume the game, the Bretons were the dominant force, putting Franck Haise's side under ever-increasing pressure.

Les Brestois' defender Kenny Lala was on hand to slam a half-volley past Brice Samba ten minutes after the restart, announcing the home side's resurgence. The boys in red and white were truly in the game - and they could smell blood.

It all went to hell for Lens when Abdul Samed fouled Camara in the box, prompting referee Pignard to point to the spot. Samba protested, but the only effect was him getting booked.

Del Castillo stepped up once again and found the net to turn the game around completely around and bring Eric Roy's team three points.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Nice - Lille 1-1 (1-0)

/Laborde 18 - Diakite 90+3/

Saturday

Olympique de Marseille - Reims 2-1 (1-1)

/Ounahi 23, Vitinha 73 - Ito 10/

PSG - Lorient 0-0

Sunday

Brest - Lens 3-2 (1-2)

/Del Castillo 45+2 pen, 87 pen, Lala 56 - Sotoca 11, Machado 22/

Clermont - Monaco (in progress)

Montpellier - Le Havre (in progress)

Nantes - Toulouse (in progress)

18.05: (1.45) Rennes (4.70) Metz (8.00)

21.45: (2.85) Strasbourg (3.50) Olympique Lyon (2.60)

***odds are subject to change