# Lens Close in on Paris as Marseille Falls to Fourth Place in Ligue 1 Round 22 Standings
## Lens Show Resilience, Closing the Gap on Paris Saint-Germain
Lens continued their impressive form in Ligue 1 as they closed in on Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the standings following Round 22. With a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Montpellier, Lens has now secured 10 wins out of 22 games, solidifying their position as one of the most surprising teams in the league this season.
The northern club, managed by Franck Passi, has been characterized by their attacking flair and defensive solidity. Their recent performances have seen them rise from mid-table contenders to serious title challengers, with key players like Jonathan Claude and Kevin Danois stepping up in crucial moments. Lens’s ability to adapt to high-pressure situations has been a key factor in their success, especially in their recent match against Montpellier, where they trailed 2-1 but fought back to secure all three points.
## Marseille Slides Down to Fourth Place, Dropping Out of the Top Three
Meanwhile, Marseille’s dip in form has seen them slide to fourth place in the standings, falling behind Paris Saint-Germain, Lens, and even third-place Monaco. A 1-1 draw against Reims in their latest fixture leaves Marseille struggling to maintain consistency, despite the impressive form of players like Terem Moffi and Julien Palardy.
The Violes have been let down by their inability to capitalize on chances, particularly in key fixtures against direct rivals. Manager Igor Lolo’s decision to focus on young talent has paid dividends in the long run, but the lack of experience in the squad has shown in crucial moments. Marseille’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in set-pieces, have also been a recurring issue, costing them points in several matches this season.
## The Battle for Third Place Heats Up
With Lens narrowing the gap on Paris Saint-Germain, the battle for third place is becoming increasingly intense. Monaco, under the guidance of manager Aurélien Tissot, has been a consistent force, currently sitting in third place. However, both Lens and Marseille are hot on their heels, with the top three positions set to be hotly contested in the remaining rounds of the season.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for all three teams, with Lens aiming to maintain their momentum and Marseille looking to regroup ahead of their next game. The race for the title and the battle for European qualification are both still very much alive, with the top half of the table looking like a tight three-way contest.
## Conclusion
As the season approaches its climax, Lens’s remarkable journey from relative outsiders to serious title contenders continues to captivate fans across France. Meanwhile, Marseille’s slight dip in form has allowed their rivals to close in, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season. With the stakes higher than ever, the final few weeks of the campaign are guaranteed to be filled with drama and excitement.