Ligue 1: Lens Beat Strasbourg to Move Up League Table

Lens climb to second place in Ligue 1

Ismaelo Ganiou’s first-ever goal for Lens helped Les Sang et Or strike gold at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, as they moved up to second in Ligue 1 after beating 10-man Strasbourg.

Following a lack of action in front of goal throughout the opening quarter-hour after the restart...

Lens moved up to second in Ligue 1 after a thrilling home win over Strasbourg, thanks to Ismaelo Ganiou's first-ever goal for the club. The win takes Les Sang et Or to 15 points at home this season, with only Olympique de Marseille having more.

Lens' impressive form at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis continued, with home advantage playing a key role in their victory. Strasbourg was reduced to 10 men during the game, and Ganiou's goal proved the difference between the two sides.

Strangely, Strasbourg's goalkeeper Mike Penders made an easy save, gathering Odsonne Edouard's low shot with relative ease. On the other hand, Strasbourg's attack was less fortunate, as Emanuel Emegha, last season's top scorer, headed wide after just four minutes.

Nonetheless, despite Strasbourg’s forward line being led by the second-leading marksman this season, Joaquin Panichelli (nine), and Lens’ pair of Wesley Said and Edouard netting 10 goals between them, there were only two other meaningful strikes on goal in the first half, both in the hosts’ favour.

Huge home win for Lens to secure their third victory in a row 🔴🟡 pic.twitter.com/AHF6Ivp2Xw

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) November 22, 2025

First, Florian Thauvin’s 41st-minute close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Penders before the on-loan Chelsea man produced an arguably better save to keep out Edouard’s fierce strike.

Following a lack of action in front of goal throughout the opening quarter-hour after the restart, suspended Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior gave his instructions from the stands for the introduction of three fresh faces, including the attack-minded Julio Enciso.

However, celebrations were coming from the stands in the 69th minute, but it wasn’t from Rosenior. Instead, they were coming from the majority inside the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, as Ganiou hammered the ball past Panders to give the hosts the lead.

Substitute player Guilavogui got a red card in stoppage time, but it didn't change the outcome. Lens won the game, keeping their title hopes alive, with this being their 7th win in 9 games.

Strasbourg's struggles away from home continue, with this loss being their 3rd in a row on the road. They're yet to find consistency, having won just 2 games away from home this season [1].