Decisive figure ignites Strasbourg with early strike against Lens | OneFootball

Joaquín Panichelli struck from outside the box in the 18th minute to put Strasbourg ahead, as their tie with Lens finished 1-1. The Argentina striker is now on 14 Ligue 1 goals, second overall.

His opener came on a fast break, a right-footed drive bending into the top right corner (18.), the cleanest moment of incision on a night of narrow margins.

The visitors levelled from distance after the restart (62.). Panichelli then appealed for a spot kick, but VAR ruled no penalty (66.), and he kept offering runs to stretch the back line.

He finished with two attempts, one on target, plus two tackles won and three clearances from 31 touches, underlining how he mixed penalty-box threat with diligent defensive work for Le Racing.

Because Strasbourg repeatedly sprang forward in transition, his direct movement into space unsettled Lens' centre-backs and set the platform for sustained pressure without overcommitting.

Le Racing face Reims in the Coupe de France quarter-finals next. Lens visit Lyon in the same competition.