Le Mans defeated Lorient 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, holding off a late fightback from the visitors to claim all three points at the Stade Marie-Marvingt.
The hosts took the lead after just three minutes when Rayan Bamba won possession in midfield and played in Adil Bourabaa, who fired a low left-footed shot into the net.
Lorient struggled to create clear-cut chances before the break as Le Mans protected their advantage.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Lucas Bretelle’s corner found Habibou Diallo, who headed past Yvon Mvogo.
Lorient responded in the closing stages and pulled one goal back in the 79th minute.
Substitute Isak Jensen finished from Arsène Kouassi’s assist to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finale.
Le Mans, however, held firm during seven minutes of added time to preserve their advantage and deny Lorient a chance to complete the comeback.
The hosts registered 11 shots, with seven on target, while Lorient had nine attempts and managed only two on target.
Le Mans also enjoyed a slight possession advantage, 51 per cent to 49 per cent.
Bretelle was influential for the hosts, completing 35 of 36 passes and providing the assist for Diallo’s goal.
Bourabaa also impressed after scoring the opener and creating two key chances.
Jensen made an immediate impact for Lorient after coming off the bench, scoring with his only shot to give the visitors hope of earning a point.
The victory gives Le Mans three points from the fifth round of the Ligue 1 campaign, while Lorient were left to rue their missed opportunities despite their late pressure.
