Gessime Yassine scores twice as Strasbourg fight back to beat Lens

Gessime Yassine scored his first two Ligue 1 goals as Strasbourg came from behind to beat Lens 2-1 at the Meinau Stadium and claim their first points of the season.

The young Strasbourg forward produced a decisive performance to turn the match in his side’s favour, scoring both goals after Lens had taken control of the contest.

Yassine’s display provided the response Strasbourg needed after a difficult opening weekend, when they suffered a 4-0 defeat away to Marseille.

Facing a Lens side that had begun the season with a perfect record, Strasbourg were again under pressure early in the match. But Yassine emerged as the difference-maker, dragging Racing back into the game before completing the turnaround.

The 2-1 victory gave Strasbourg their first points of the campaign and ended Lens’ winning start.

Yassine makes the difference

Lens had looked in control before Yassine changed the course of the match.

The Strasbourg striker first restored parity before finding the decisive goal to put his side ahead.

His two goals were the defining moments of a performance that went beyond his finishing.

Yassine completed four successful dribbles, more than any other player in the match, and repeatedly threatened the Lens defence.

He also found himself in dangerous positions, touching the ball five times inside the opposition penalty area.

His contribution was not limited to attacking play. Yassine showed a strong commitment in the physical battles, winning nine of his 16 ground duels and all of the aerial duels he contested.

He also recovered possession eight times, underlining his willingness to contribute when Strasbourg were without the ball.

A significant first for Yassine

The brace has particular significance because both goals were Yassine’s first in Ligue 1.

For a young player expected to have an important role in Strasbourg’s plans, opening his top-flight account with two goals in the same match represents a major moment in his development.

The timing also made the performance even more valuable for Strasbourg.

After their heavy defeat at Marseille on the opening day, the club needed an immediate reaction. Yassine provided exactly that, producing the goals that transformed a difficult situation into a victory.

His performance also helped Strasbourg recover from a match in which Lens had initially looked the stronger side.

By the final whistle, the young forward had become the central figure in the comeback.

His statistics underlined his overall influence: two goals, four successful dribbles, nine ground duels won and eight recoveries.

The result gives Strasbourg an important early boost after their disappointing start, while Yassine leaves the match with a new level of confidence following his first Ligue 1 goals.

The young forward now has his first top-flight goals to his name and a performance that could prove important to his standing within the Strasbourg squad.

At the Meinau, his name was celebrated after he had produced the decisive contribution against Lens.

For Yassine, the challenge now will be to build on this performance as the season continues.

But after opening his Ligue 1 account with a brace and leading Strasbourg to their first victory of the campaign, he has already made a significant statement.