The Lens Ligue 1 title race hopes take another blow as they draw 1-1 with Strasbourg, missing the chance to overtake PSG at the summit. The “Blood and Gold” entered the match knowing a win would send them top. Instead, they stumbled again. After blowing a two-goal lead against Monaco last week, this draw confirms a worrying dip in form at a crucial moment.
Early Error Costs Lens
The visitors started poorly. Nova Sports News noted a lack of cutting edge in the first half. Lens dominated possession with 48% but failed to register a single shot on target from 11 attempts.
Strasbourg punished them in the 18th minute. Defender Ismaël Ganiou committed a fatal error with a weak backpass. Strasbourg striker Willem Panichelli seized the opportunity. He intercepted the ball and calmly lobbed the goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Lens struggled to respond before the break. Florian Thot fired over, and Odsonne Édouard missed a sliding effort.
Sangaré Rescues a Point
The second half demanded a reaction. The manager introduced Allan Saint-Maximin in the 61st minute to spark the attack. The impact was immediate. Just a minute later, Mamadou Sangaré unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box. The ball flew into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Drama continued late in the game. The referee initially awarded Strasbourg a penalty after Panichelli went down. However, VAR intervened to overturn the decision. Lens escaped with a point but will view this as two points lost.
The Ligue 1 results 2026 leave Lens on the back foot. They sit second, one point behind PSG. The Parisians now have breathing room. Lens has taken only one point from the last six available. They must rediscover their winning touch immediately to keep their title dream alive.
Nova Sports News warns that dropping points against mid-table sides like Strasbourg is rarely a recipe for championship glory.
