Marseille secures draw but drops points for Europa League

<p>PARIS &mdash; Marseille scored a late equalizer to draw with Strasbourg 1-1 at home but dropped points in the French league chase for a Europa League spot on Friday.</p>
<p>Striker Dario Benedetto came off the bench to head home Luis Henrique’s cross from the left in the 86th minute, as sixth-placed Marseille moved level on points with Lens in fifth and the Europa League spot.</p>
<p>Lens remained ahead on goal difference but that could change since it visits second-placed Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.</p>
<p>Marseille went close in the 17th when Florian Thauvin’s corner was met by defender Leonardo Balerdi, but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Matz Sels.</p>
<p>Marseille goalie Steve Mandanda made two saves from midfielder Dimitri Lienard in the second half, but he was powerless to stop central defender Stefan Mitrovic from heading in Lienard’s 74th-minute corner.</p>
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