Abdallah’s late deflection gives Marseille victory at Lens

Marseille secured a third successive away win in Ligue 1 for the first time since January 2025 after substitute Keyliane Abdallah’s late strike earned them a 2-1 victory at Lens.

Lens were looking for a response after their 9-1 defeat by Como in the UEFA Champions League, but their afternoon began in similar fashion as they conceded within 90 seconds.

The opener followed a defensive mistake. Jonathan Gradit’s back-pass ran beyond Samson Baidoo, allowing Amine Gouiri to reach the ball and roll it into an unguarded net.

Lens recovered from the setback and Florian Thauvin headed over as the hosts began to threaten. They drew level midway through the first half when Thauvin scored against his former club, heading Florian Sotoca’s cross into the net from close range.

Marseille were second best for much of the opening period, despite going close when Gouiri flicked an effort against the crossbar from about six yards.

Lens also came close to taking the lead before the interval. Jeffrey de Lange made an excellent save to deny Yacine Titraoui after Igor Paixao had played a pass that echoed Gradit’s earlier error, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

Titraoui tested De Lange again shortly after the restart, curling towards the bottom corner from the edge of the area, but the Marseille goalkeeper was equal to it. Paixao then sent a Marseille attempt high over the crossbar.

Chances became increasingly scarce, with neither side able to impose themselves in attack. Marseille had entered the match with the second-highest shot tally in the league before this round of fixtures, but they struggled to create a clear opening until the final 10 minutes.

Abdallah had scored only once this season, on the opening day, but he doubled his tally when he fired home from inside the penalty area via a deflection to put Marseille ahead.

The visitors were unable to produce their best display, but the result extended their run to six wins in their past eight matches in all competitions. It also made it five consecutive victories in the French top flight.

Lens had appeared to be building momentum after winning three of their previous four Ligue 1 games. However, consecutive defeats - including the damaging manner of their loss to Como - have increased the pressure on head coach Yannick Cahuzac.

Marseille goalkeeper Jeffrey de Lange was named Flashscore Man of the Match.