RC Lens came from behind to defeat Paris FC 2-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, with Thorgan Hazard scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to move his side within a point of the league leaders.
Lens, who finished as runners-up last season, have struggled to find consistency this campaign.
However, successive league victories under interim coach Yannick Cahuzac have lifted them to 13 points from eight matches.
Five clubs, including Paris FC, are level on 14 points at the top of the standings, leaving Lens just one point behind the leading group.
Despite dominating the first half in driving rain, Lens went into the break trailing after Paris FC struck in stoppage time.
The visitors launched a swift counterattack following a disrupted Lens move, with Luca Koleosho combining with Lassine Sinayoko before firing a low right-footed shot into the net.
Lens thought they had suffered another setback in the 53rd minute when defender Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge on Ilan Kebbal.
However, a VAR review overturned the decision after determining that Kebbal had been offside before the tackle.
The reprieve helped Lens find their equaliser through Florian Thauvin, who produced a superb left-footed finish from the edge of the penalty area.
The goal came on his 300th appearance in Ligue 1.
Hazard then completed the comeback seven minutes from time, volleying home Thauvin’s cross to secure all three points for Lens.
The victory provided a timely response to Lens’ 3-0 defeat to Belgian side Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
