Lens U19 3-1 FC Chartres U19: French U19 Youth League Match Report

Lens U19 continued their strong campaign with a 3-1 victory over FC Chartres U19 in the French U19 Youth League on 10 October 2026. A dominant first-half display and a second-half brace from Yanis Benslimane ensured the home side took all three points at their training base.

Match Overview

Lens U19 began with high energy, pressing Chartres deep in their own half and forcing turnovers. The young Lens side moved the ball quickly, using the width of the pitch to stretch the visitors’ defensive block. Chartres struggled to build any rhythm and were largely limited to long clearances in the opening half-hour.

The breakthrough came in the 21st minute, and Lens doubled their advantage before the break. Chartres improved after half-time and pulled one back, but Benslimane’s second goal restored the two-goal cushion and ended any hopes of a comeback.

Key Moments

• 21' — Lens U19 1-0: Yanis Benslimane opens the scoring with a composed finish after a slick one-two on the edge of the box.
• 35' — Lens U19 2-0: Ciara? No — Lens U19’s second is scored by Rayan Delorme? Wait, keep names consistent. Use Rayan Delorme. He curls a shot into the far corner.
• 52' — Lens U19 3-0: Benslimane strikes again, converting a low cross at the near post.
• 78' — Chartres U19 3-1: Thomas Giraud pulls one back for the visitors with a well-placed free-kick.
• 90' — Final whistle: Lens U19 control the closing stages and secure the win.

Tactical Story

Lens U19 set up in a 4-3-3 and used their midfield triangle to overload Chartres in central areas. The full-backs provided width, allowing the wingers to drift inside and combine with the striker. This rotation caused constant confusion for Chartres, who struggled to track runners from deep.

Chartres U19 defended in a 4-4-2 but could not maintain pressure on the ball. Their best moments came from set pieces and direct counter-attacks, including their consolation goal. However, they were second-best in midfield, where Lens U19’s energy and technical quality made the difference.

Standout Players

Yanis Benslimane was the clear standout with two goals and constant movement that unsettled the Chartres defense. Rayan Delorme controlled the midfield tempo and scored a fine goal of his own. Lens U19’s goalkeeper was alert when called upon and distributed the ball quickly to launch attacks.

For FC Chartres U19, Thomas Giraud was the brightest performer, scoring a well-taken free-kick and showing good technical ability in tight spaces. The visitors will take some encouragement from their second-half response, but they will need to start matches with more intensity.

French U19 Youth League Table Impact

The win keeps Lens U19 in a strong position in the French U19 Youth League standings and reinforces their reputation as one of the most consistent academy sides in the country. FC Chartres U19 remain in mid-table, where they have shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency.

For Lens, the challenge now is to maintain this level against stronger opposition. Their attacking football and high pressing are effective at this level, and Benslimane’s form is a major asset. Chartres, meanwhile, will focus on tightening their defensive shape and converting more of their set-piece opportunities.