Lens recovered from a heavy midweek European defeat to claim a third successive Ligue 1 victory, overturning a deficit to beat Liam Rosenior’s Paris FC 2-1 and deny them the chance to move top of the table.

On a wet and windy evening, Lens controlled much of the early possession, although Paris FC looked dangerous when breaking forward. Obed Nkambadio appeared unsettled in the visiting goal, but Lens could not capitalise on an early misunderstanding with his defence or a poor pass which almost sent Franjo Ivanovic through one-on-one.

As the opening spell settled, Florian Thauvin delivered a free-kick which appeared to strike Diego Coppola’s hand as the defender challenged for the ball. Referee Mathieu Vernice was advised by VAR to review the incident, but decided the contact was not enough to justify a penalty.

Lens responded by creating a clear opening, with Florian Sotoca forcing Nkambadio into an excellent save with a powerful diving header.

Paris FC then produced the first shot on target of the half in the second minute of stoppage time and took the lead. Luca Koleosho ran on to Lassine Sinayoko’s pass before placing his finish beyond Robin Risser and into the bottom-left corner for his first goal of the season.

The visitors almost extended their advantage moments after the restart. Jean-Clair Todibo was initially shown a red card for bringing down Ilan Kabbal as the last defender, but VAR ruled that Kabbal had been marginally offside and the dismissal was overturned.

Kabbal was presented with another opportunity shortly afterwards when he tried to meet Emmanuel Mbemba’s low cross. He failed to make proper contact and then sent his follow-up effort high over the Lens crossbar.

That miss proved costly as Thauvin marked his 300th Ligue 1 appearance with a superb equaliser. Cutting in from the right, the Lens forward found the bottom corner with a precisely placed shot which gave Nkambadio no chance.

The goal prompted Lens to increase the pressure, with Thauvin again at the centre of the decisive moment. His excellent cross into the Paris FC penalty area found Thorgan Hazard, who controlled the ball on his chest before finishing left-footed to complete the comeback and secure all three points for Yannick Cahuzac’s side.

The result was Lens’ fifth consecutive head-to-head victory over Paris FC. It moved them up to sixth place, while Paris FC remain one point ahead of them after suffering only their second Ligue 1 defeat of the season.

Florian Thauvin was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.