STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Lens missed a chance to top Ligue 1 after fighting back from a goal down to draw at Strasbourg 1-1 on Friday.
Strasbourg Takes Early Lead
Argentine striker Joaquin Panichelli scored for the third consecutive game, putting the home side ahead after 18 minutes at Stade de la Meinau.
Panichelli's 14th goal of the season tied him with Mason Greenwood at the top of the Ligue 1 goalscoring chart.
Lens Responds After Halftime
Lens fought back to equalize 17 minutes into the second half through Mamadou Sangare.
A corner kick was cleared to Sangare's feet, and his first-time drive flew through a crowd of defenders into the bottom corner.
League Implications
Lens was the better team in the second half but found Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders in top form. It was only the second draw in the league for Lens.
A win would have taken Lens a point clear of league leader and reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain. Instead, Lens remains a point behind in second place, having played a game more.
PSG visits Le Havre on Saturday.
Strasbourg climbed into seventh place in the standings. The club has lost only two of its last 14 matches in all competitions.