Strasbourg 1-1 Lens ratings: Barco shines as Thauvin fades | OneFootball

Valentin Barco set the tempo for Strasbourg in a 1-1 draw with Lens on Friday, while Florian Thauvin’s touch deserted him. According to L'Équipe, Barco’s control contrasted with Thauvin’s wastefulness that stalled Lens’ attacks.

Joaquin Panichelli struck on 18 minutes with a deft long-range lob, à la Di Maria, even though Robin Risser stayed on his feet. It was his 14th Ligue 1 goal. Odsonne Édouard then spurned a point-blank chance late in the first half, and Martial Godo wasted a promising break.

After the interval, Thauvin headed over from inside the box on 58 minutes. Mamadou Sangaré equalised on 62 minutes with a sweet first-time strike from the edge of the area and was consistently tidy and well placed.

Barco’s opening spell was stratospheric in intensity, reading and passing, with 52 touches and five wins from seven duels before the break. His distribution was a delight and he only dipped a touch after half-time.

Malang Sarr anchored Lens’ new-look back line with calm authority and sharp anticipation. Diego Moreira never got going, largely contained by Udol, and Godo stayed on the back foot too often. Édouard’s link play frequently lacked speed or inspiration.

Source: L'Équipe