Brought Back To Reality! Lens Ligue 1 Title Hopes Dented After Defeat To...

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 10:50 IST

Lens, now in second place, trail PSG by just one point. However, PSG can extend their lead to four points if they win against struggling Le Havre on Saturday.

Lens faced another setback in their quest to win the French Ligue 1 title, drawing 1-1 with Strasbourg on Friday. This result offers reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain a chance to increase their lead at the top of the table this weekend.

After their previous 3-2 home loss to Monaco, which saw them relinquish first place to PSG, Lens had to come from behind at the Stade de la Meinau. Mamadou Sangare scored the equaliser after Joaquin Panichelli put Strasbourg ahead.

Lens, now in second place, trail PSG by just one point. However, PSG can extend their lead to four points if they win against struggling Le Havre on Saturday.

Panichelli gave Strasbourg the lead in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a short backpass by Ismaelo Ganiou to beat Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser with a delightful chip, marking his 14th Ligue 1 goal of the season. This goal places him at the top of the scoring charts alongside Marseille’s Mason Greenwood.

Lens created more opportunities thereafter and equalised just past the hour mark. Malian midfielder Sangare scored off the post from outside the area after Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders punched a corner into his path.

Despite numerous chances, Odsonne Edouard was particularly wasteful for Lens, and they had to settle for a draw. This result could hand the momentum back to PSG, champions in 11 of the last 13 seasons.

Gary O’Neil’s Strasbourg remain in seventh place, two points behind Lille in fifth and Rennes in sixth, all vying for European qualification. Strasbourg were frustrated when the referee overturned a penalty decision after Panichelli went down under a challenge from Malang Sarr shortly after Lens equalised.

Rennes will host Toulouse on Saturday, and Monaco, currently in eighth, can overtake Strasbourg with a win against Angers before PSG play Le Havre in Normandy. Lyon, in third place, visit fourth-placed Marseille on Sunday in a crucial match for Champions League qualification.

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