Thomasson rescues draw for Lens at Troyes | OneFootball

January signing Adrien Thomasson came off the bench to score a late equaliser as RC Lens drew 1-1 away to ESTAC Troyes at the Stade de l’Aube on Saturday. The result is still a dent in their hopes of challenging Paris Saint-Germain for the Ligue 1 Uber Eats title.

ESTAC Troyes 1-1 RC Lens

THE MATCH

Lens had bossed the first half without managing to break down the home defence and they were undone five minutes into the second period. Xavier Chavalerin spotted Yasser Larouci arriving into the box down the left and the former Liverpool youngster met his pass with a low shot that beat goalkeeper Brice Samba on its way into the far corner.

The visitors then piled on the pressure after that and almost drew level when Florian Sotoca met a Przemysław Frankowski free-kick delivery with a looping header that was tipped over the bar by Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon (59’).

Thomasson came on for Deiver Machado in the 72nd minute in one of five changes made by Lens as manager Franck Haise threw the dice. Their pressure was finally rewarded two minutes from the end as Troyes goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon blocked an attempt at the back post by Wesley Saïd, but Thomasson was on hand to turn in the rebound.

That equaliser means Lens have still been beaten just once all season but they missed the chance to go level on points with leaders PSG, who can now extend their advantage when they face Stade de Reims on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Troyes were denied a famous victory but this was still a welcome point for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side in their battle to avoid relegation after they had lost their previous there matches.

THE PLAYER: Adrien Thomasson

The 29-year-old joined Lens earlier this month from RC Strasbourg Alsace for a fee reportedly in the region of €4 million. He scored his first goal for his new club on his first start in last weekend’s Coupe de France win at Stade Brestois 29. Now he has added to that with a valuable late strike here.

THE STAT: 12

Lens are now unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions.

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