Le Mans FC will host RC Lens in Ligue 1 on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, a highly anticipated clash after a seven-year hiatus. Ticket details and the form of both teams were provided this week.
The Sarthe club, which finished third in Ligue 2 last season with 57 points and a +17 goal difference, approaches this test with ambition. The team must however manage without Erwan Colas, who is currently sidelined.
Ticket prices for this match vary depending on the purchase channel. Through the clubs' official channels, seats range from 15 to 60 euros. At the stadium box office, prices are slightly lower, from 15 to 45 euros. Resale platforms show higher prices, generally between 45 and 55 euros, with some premium seats exceeding 80 or even 140 euros. Supporters are advised to prioritize official sales for greater security.
Le Mans FC has a mixed record over its last five matches in all competitions. The club has recorded two wins, one draw, and one defeat, scoring eight goals and conceding five. Their last official match was a 2-2 draw against Brest on August 22, which was their season opener. In pre-season, they notably beat Angers (3-2) and Nantes (1-0), but lost to Le Havre (1-0). On the other hand, RC Lens has three wins and two losses over the same period. Lens just crushed Auxerre 5-2 in Ligue 1 on August 22, after winning the Trophée des Champions against Paris Saint-Germain on August 16. Their pre-season included a win against Villarreal (3-1), a draw against Famalicão (0-0), and a loss to Sunderland (2-0). Lens scored nine goals and conceded five across these five fixtures.
The last competitive meeting between the two clubs was on July 27, 2019, a Ligue 2 match won 2-1 by Lens at the Stade Marie-Marvingt. Over the last five duels, the balance is perfect: two wins for Le Mans, two for Lens, and one draw. All these encounters took place in Ligue 2, which adds a particular flavour to this return to the top flight. The seven-year gap introduces an element of the unknown to this fixture.
The club's current context is promising. Their third-place finish in Ligue 2 last season, just one point behind leaders Estac Troyes, and a positive run of form (WDWWW) demonstrate solid momentum. With 46 goals scored and 29 conceded in the 2025 campaign, the team proved its effectiveness. These past performances will serve as a foundation for facing a high-level opponent like Lens. Supporters can track the league standings on our standings page. The next step for Le Mans FC is to confirm its good form in Ligue 1 against a direct rival. The September 13 match represents a significant test to gauge the club's real ambitions in the elite. The full match schedule is available on our fixtures page.
