**Lens Draw 1-1 Between Lyon and Openda; Openda Scores as Both Teams Settle for Draw**

The highly anticipated match between Lens and Lyon ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Stade du Ray on Sunday. Both teams put on a display of attacking football, but neither could find a winner, leaving the fixture with a share of the spoils.

The game started with both sides intent on controlling the midfield and creating chances. Lens, known for their defensive resilience, struggled to contain Lyon’s attacking trio of Alexandre Lacazette, Moussa Dembele, and Memphis Depay. The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Dembele capitalized on a defensive error, slotting the ball past Lens goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The goal gave Lyon an early lead, but Lens responded well, refusing to sit back and invite pressure.

In the 35th minute, Lens levelled the score when Demba Syms, on loan from Openda, fired a powerful shot from outside the box into the top corner. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Lens’ momentum continued into the second half. Openda, making his debut for Lens, had a quiet first half but became a pivotal figure after halftime.

**Openda Scores as Both Teams Settle for Draw**

As the second half began, Openda grew increasingly influential. His relentless energy and dribbling abilities began to dominate Lyon’s defense. In the 65th minute, Openda delivered a pinpoint cross to Syms, who headed the ball into the net. However, the goal was initially ruled offside, but after a lengthy VAR review, it stood. Openda celebrated wildly, but his joy was short-lived as the referee waved off the goal due to an offside in the build-up.

Despite the controversial decision, Openda remained a thorn in Lyon’s side. His persistence paid off in the 85th minute when he received the ball on the edge of the box, dribbled past two defenders, and fired a low shot past Maignan. The goal put Lens ahead, but Lyon responded instantly. Lacazette, who had been quiet for much of the game, scored a clinical counter-attack goal in the 88th minute, slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner.

The final moments were filled with drama as both teams pushed for a winner. Lens almost won it in stoppage time when Syms’ effort rattled the crossbar, but Lyon’s defense held firm. The referee blew the whistle, and both teams were left to rue missed opportunities.

**Reaction and Implications**

Lyon’s manager, Peter Bosz, expressed frustration at the late goal and the manner in which his side conceded the equalizer. “We dominated possession and created chances, but we didn’t capitalize,” he said. “The goalkeeping error and the offside decision cost us the game.”

Lens’ coach, Franck Hutt, praised his team’s resilience. “We fought back from a goal down and showed great character. Openda was fantastic, and the entire squad played their part. We’ll take the draw, but we’ll learn from this and aim higher next time.”

The draw keeps both teams in the hunt, with Lens aiming for a top-half finish and Lyon looking to build on their recent form. Openda, meanwhile, has made a strong impression in his debut, and Lens will be hopeful that his performances can inspire a late-season push.

In a match full of twists and turns, Lens and Lyon delivered a compelling spectacle, leaving fans eager for the next encounter between these two storied clubs.