Abdoulaye Doucoure's first-half header earned Rennes a slender 1-0 away victory over Lens in Ligue 1 this evening.

Lens had a fairly decent opportunity to move in front after just one minute, only for Pierrick Valdivia to shoot wide after Baptiste Guillaume's headed pass.

The away side continued to seek an opener as Pedro Henrique broke down the wing, with his cross finding Mexer, who could not keep his header on target.

Despite holding less of the ball in the first period, Rennes moved ahead in the 36th minute thanks to Doucoure, as he profited from Henrique's pass to head beyond Remy Riou.

Rennes found it difficult to muster much in the way of chances in the second half, with Henrique coming close with a long-range shot that was comfortably kept out down low.

Ludovic Baal might have grabbed an equaliser for Lens, but he dragged wide to the left after some good work from Pablo Chavarria as Rennes hung on to claim all three points.