The northerners appeared to be heading for just their second defeat of the campaign after a goal from former Liverpool youth Yasser Larouci put Troyes - coached by the ex-Australia international Patrick Kisnorbo - ahead five minutes into the second half.

Yet Thomasson, a January signing from Strasbourg, came off the bench to prod in a rebound two minutes from time and earn Lens a draw at the Stade de l'Aube.

The result leaves Lens two points behind leaders PSG, who host Reims at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening. Third-placed Marseille can now climb above Lens on goal difference with a win at home to fourth-placed Monaco in Saturday's late game.

Earlier on Saturday, Marseille announced that they had reached an agreement to sign Moroccan World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi from Ligue 1 rivals Angers. The fee for the midfielder is expected to be in the region of 10 million euros.

January 28, 2023

Y. Larouci

Achievements