# Lens Advances to Third Place in Ligue 1 Round 22; Marseille Drops to Fourth
The 22nd round of Ligue 1 saw Lens rise to third place in the standings, while Marseille slipped down to fourth, suffering a disappointing defeat. Both teams were in action over the weekend, with Lens securing a crucial victory and Marseille falling short in their quest for consistency.
## Lens Shines in Weekend Victory
Lens continued their impressive form with a 2-1 win against Troyes, extending their unbeaten streak in Ligue 1. The northern outfit has been in excellent shape recently, with key players like Jonathanardware and Seko Fofana contributing significantly to their success. Lens’ defense has been a pillar of their performance this season, and their attacking options are also clicking at the right time.
The victory over Troyes moved Lens up to third place, level on points with Marseille but ahead in the standings due to their superior goal difference. With a strong record away from home, Lens will be confident heading into the remainder of the season.
## Marseille’s Slip-Up Costs Them Top Spot
Meanwhile, Marseille’s slip-up against Nîmes Olympique saw them drop to fourth place. After a series of inconsistent performances, the Olympians failed to capitalize on a chance to maintain their position in the top two. A 2-2 draw with Nîmes, despite an enterprising display, was not enough to secure all three points.
Marseille’s inability to consistently finish games has been a recurring issue this season, and their defensive vulnerabilities have also been a problem. While the team retains the potential to turn things around, they will need to address their inconsistency and injuries if they are to challenge for the title.
## Context and Standings
With the league table tightening, Lens and Marseille are among several teams vying for a place in the top four. PSG continues to lead the way, while Monaco and Montpellier are close behind. Lens’ recent form makes them a credible threat to break into the top two, while Marseille will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both clubs as they aim to secure their positions and push for European qualification. Lens and Marseille will both be in action in the next round of Ligue 1, with high stakes as the race for the title and European spots intensifies.