Thauvin and Hazard inspire Lens to comeback victory over Paris FC

Lens secured their third consecutive Ligue 1 victory with a 2-1 comeback win over Paris FC at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on matchday eight. Luca Koleosho put the visitors ahead in first-half stoppage time (45+2'), but second-half goals from Florian Thauvin (63') and Thorgan Hazard (84') turned the game around, denying Paris FC the chance to climb to the top of the table.

Despite torrential rain, the hosts set the tempo from the opening minutes. Yannick Cahuzac's side dominated possession and carved out several promising openings, while Paris FC looked to threaten primarily on the counter-attack.

Midway through the first half, Paris FC survived a penalty scare when Thauvin's free-kick struck the arm of Diego Coppola inside the box. Referee Mathieu Vernice reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor via VAR but decided against awarding a spot-kick. Moments later, Florian Sotoca went close with a dangerous header, only to be denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Obed Nkambadio.

Instead of taking the lead, Lens were punished deep into first-half stoppage time. Lassine Sinayoko played Luca Koleosho through on goal, and the forward beat Robin Risser to break the deadlock with his first goal of the campaign.

The second half began with further drama. Jean-Clair Todibo was initially shown a straight red card for a foul on Ilan Kebbal, but the decision was overturned by VAR due to an offside in the build-up. Paris FC then had a golden opportunity to double their advantage, but Kebbal failed to capitalize from close range.

That miss proved costly for the visitors. In the 63rd minute, Florian Thauvin showed his class, cutting inside from the right flank before curling a precise left-footed strike into the net to mark his 300th French top-flight appearance in style.

The equalizer injected fresh energy into the home side, who continued to push for all three points. Their pressure paid off in the 84th minute when Thauvin delivered an exquisite cross to Thorgan Hazard, who controlled the ball on his chest and buried a left-footed volley into the back of the net.

The win capped a crucial response for Lens following their heavy 3-0 midweek defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League. Yannick Cahuzac's men move up to sixth place on 13 points, just one behind Paris FC, who suffered only their second defeat of the season to stay on 14 points.