Lens fight back for dramatic draw to keep title hopes alive
RC Lens staged a remarkable comeback from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Stade Brestois on Thursday evening, a result that keeps their faint Ligue 1 title hopes alive but leaves them three points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Needing a win to maintain pressure on PSG, Lens instead found themselves stunned by a ruthless Brest side in the first half before a second-half revival salvaged a point in dramatic fashion.
Brest, assured of a mid-table finish, took a shock lead after just seven minutes through Daouda Guindo, who unleashed a powerful strike from distance past goalkeeper Robin Risser. The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the half when Lucas Tousart, making his first start since January, finished coolly from a Guindo assist. Junior Dina Ebimbe then made it three just before halftime, with Brest converting all three of their shots on target in a devastatingly clinical opening period.
Facing a potentially decisive blow to their championship ambitions, Lens manager Pierre Sage made a series of attacking substitutions early in the second half. The changes had an immediate impact. Florian Thauvin, introduced just before the hour mark, capitalized on a defensive error by Soumaila Coulibaly to pull a goal back. Abdallah Sima then made it 3-2 just four minutes later, setting up a grandstand finish.
Lens pressed relentlessly for an equalizer, with Sima hitting the post and then the crossbar, while Allan Saint-Maximin also struck the woodwork. Brest goalkeeper Gregoire Coudert produced a series of fine saves to preserve his team's narrow lead. However, deep into stoppage time, Saint-Maximin finally found the breakthrough with a spectacular long-range effort that curled beyond Coudert to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The result leaves Lens in second place, three points behind PSG with four matches remaining. According to post-match reports, the draw likely ends Lens's realistic chances of catching the Parisians, who now hold a significant advantage. For Brest, the performance showcased their attacking potency despite their season having little left to play for, with Eric Roy's team demonstrating they remain a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
The match was not without controversy, as Brest saw both manager Eric Roy and midfielder Hugo Magnetti sent off late in the contest. The Ligue de Football Professionnel's refereeing department later explained the dismissals were for repeated protests from the technical area. The hard-earned point provides a morale boost for Lens ahead of their final fixtures, but the failure to win means their title destiny is now out of their hands.
