Brest stumble at resilient Lens

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Brest were unable to close the gap to Paris Saint-Germain when they fell to a 1-0 away defeat against a determined Lens on Saturday.

An opportunistic goal just after the half-hour mark by Ruben Aguilar was the difference as second-placed Brest remain nine points behind leaders PSG.

Lens move up to fourth with the win and sit level on points with Monaco, who occupy the last automatic Champions League qualification spot.

Aguilar reacted quickest on 32 minutes when David Pereira Da Costa's cross came back off the post and the defender was on hand to convert.

Brest pressed for the equalising goal but could not beat Brice Samba in the Lens goal.

The goalkeeper made a fine save from Hugo Magnetti just after the hour when he strongly beat away the midfielder's fierce drive.

But when they did beat Samba, the post was there to save the hosts.

Martin Satriano beat the 'keeper with 11 minutes remaining but his strike took a nick off Jonathan Gradit and thudded into the woodwork.

PSG now have the chance to open up a 12-point lead at the head of Ligue 1 when they host Reims on Sunday.