Strasbourg beat Lens 2-1 in Ligue 1 after Yassine’s double

Strasbourg defeated Lens 2-1 at the Meinau in a match that changed direction after half-time. Lens took the lead through Florian Thauvin’s penalty, but Gessime Yassine scored twice after the interval to complete Strasbourg’s comeback. The result gave Hugo Oliveira’s side its first victory of the season, while Lens suffered its first defeat. Strasbourg’s performance was built on sustained pressure, attacking movement and several important saves from goalkeeper Jorgensen, especially during Lens’s late response.

The opening goal came after Abdallah Sima was brought down in the Strasbourg penalty area by a challenge from Mitchell. The contact existed despite Sima appearing to make the most of it, and the referee awarded the spot-kick. Thauvin sent Jorgensen the wrong way to make it 1-0. The goal also carried personal significance for the Lens captain. It was his 100th Ligue 1 goal, made up of 10 for Bastia, 76 for Marseille and 14 for Lens.

The half-time score did not reflect the balance of the first period. Strasbourg created a number of opportunities and continued to threaten after falling behind. Robin Risser, the former Strasbourg goalkeeper, denied Ivanovic after a combination with Sima and then produced an excellent save from Michaël Cuisance following a Thauvin cutback. Jorgensen also kept his team in the contest by stopping Sima after a powerful run and repelling Reyna’s volley. Ortega came close after a one-two with Lobao, but his effort lacked enough power to beat Risser.

Strasbourg’s pressure increased immediately after the restart. The home side had 57 percent possession and seven opportunities to Lens’s five during the match phase recorded in the live coverage. Nanasi repeatedly delivered dangerous balls into the area, while Yassine provided width and direct running from the right. A header from Ortega was saved by Risser, and Omobamidele came within centimetres of converting Yassine’s difficult cross. Lens, described during the second half as too passive, struggled to regain control.

The equaliser arrived soon after the restart. Reyna combined with Yassine before Nanasi supplied the final pass, and Yassine finished past Risser to make it 1-1. It was the first goal of Strasbourg’s season and the first Ligue 1 goal of Yassine’s career. His influence continued moments later when Strasbourg appeared to take the lead. Yassine crossed towards the far post, Nanasi’s header was pushed onto the crossbar by Risser and Jacobo Ortega finished the rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

That decision did not stop Strasbourg’s momentum. Yassine’s delivery nearly created another opening for Omobamidele, while Nanasi found Ortega again with a cross that the Spanish forward headed wide of the target. Amo-Ameyaw then tested Risser with a powerful strike. The decisive second goal finally came when Amo-Ameyaw found Yassine on the left side of the penalty area. Nanasi again provided the final ball, and Yassine struck a right-footed half-volley beyond Risser for his second goal of the match.

Lens still had opportunities to equalise. Udol headed a Thauvin corner against the post, and Ganiou was denied by Jorgensen after the rebound. Thauvin later created space on the right before finding Aguilar, whose cross reached Sotoca, but Jorgensen produced an exceptional fingertip save to turn the header over the bar. Mesloub also tested the goalkeeper with a weaker effort, while Sotoca saw another attempt blocked. Jorgensen’s interventions protected Strasbourg during a tense finish.

The result is significant for Strasbourg after a difficult opening to the campaign. The database lists the club in 18th place in Ligue 1 2026, with 0 points from one match, a record of one defeat and goals of 0-4. Its recent form also includes defeats against Blackburn and Sporting CP, wins over Monaco and Stade Brestois 29, and a draw at Angers. The 2-1 victory over Lens therefore provides a strong attacking response in the match coverage, led by Yassine’s breakthrough performance.

Strasbourg’s next listed Ligue 1 fixture is away to Estac Troyes on September 6, 2026. The match against Lens showed the value of Nanasi’s final passes, Yassine’s finishing and Jorgensen’s goalkeeping under pressure. Lens will have to respond after an encouraging first half ended with a loss, despite Thauvin’s milestone and several late chances. Strasbourg, meanwhile, left the Meinau with a comeback built on a faster second-half start and a decisive contribution from its young goalscorer.