Le Mans and RC Lens played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Ligue 1 on Sunday, with both sides recovering from difficult spells to claim a point at the Stade Marie-Marvingt.
Le Mans took control in the first half and opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.
Louis Mafouta struck the woodwork before Adil Bourabaa reacted quickly to head the hosts in front.
The home side doubled their advantage shortly before the break when Lucas Calodat finished a swift counter-attack after being set up by Bourabaa.
Lens responded in first-half stoppage time, with Abdallah Sima reducing the deficit by heading home to give the visitors renewed hope before the interval.
The visitors completed their comeback six minutes into the second half.
Ruben Aguilar delivered a cross from the right and Franjo Ivanović rose to head the ball beyond the Le Mans goalkeeper for the equaliser.
Lens applied further pressure as the match progressed, registering more shots and earning nine corners compared with Le Mans’ three. However, neither side could find a decisive goal despite late attempts to snatch all three points.
Calodat was one of Le Mans’ standout performers, scoring once and providing a constant threat from the left flank.
Bourabaa also impressed with a goal and an assist as the hosts produced a strong attacking display.
The result leaves both teams sharing the points after an open contest in which Le Mans twice looked capable of securing victory before Lens fought back to earn a draw.
