Adrien Thomasson's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for RC Lens at Troyes but the visitors missed the opportunity to move level on points with Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain on Saturday.
Second-half substitute Thomasson found the back of the net with two minutes left to cancel out Yasser Larouci's opener to put second-placed Lens on 45 points from 20 games.
Olympique de Marseille, in third with 42 points, will leapfrog them if they beat in-form AS Monaco, who are fourth on 37, at the Stade Velodrome later on Saturday.
PSG, who host Stade de Reims on Sunday, have 47 points.
"We could have done better, we dominated so much against a team who defended thoroughly," said Thomasson.
"We saved a point but we can be disappointed."
In Troyes, Lens dominated possession and created chances but lacked a cutting edge in the first half.
Troyes, who stayed compact, grew bolder after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Larouci scored his first goal as a professional with a low cross-shot.
It spurred the visitors into action and Florian Sotoca came close on the hour with a header that was tipped over the bar by Gauthier Gallon.
Lens eventually levelled when Thomasson, who joined from Racing Strasbourg earlier this month, fired home after Wesley Said's attempt was deflected into his path by Gallon.