METZ, France (Interstat) — Metz opened its Ligue 1 season with a 2-0 upset victory over Lens on Wednesday at Stade Saint-Symphorien. The hosts defied pregame projections that heavily favored Lens, which was given a 71 percent chance to win by statistical models.

The match’s decisive moment came deep in stoppage time. Gauthier Hein broke the deadlock with a goal in the 91st minute but was then sent off with a straight red card seconds later. Metz sealed the win with a second goal moments after the dismissal. The physical contest featured four yellow cards in addition to Hein’s red.