An unfortunate own goal from substitute Ivo Ivanov rescued a 2-2 draw for Lille in their Europa League clash at Levski Sofia and ensured the French side remain in the runners-up spot in Group C.

Goals from Garra Dembele and Vladimir Gadzhev looked to have given Levski their second win, but Ivanov's header two minutes from time stole a point for Lille adding to Vinicius De Melo's score in the first half. Lille are now four points behind leaders Sporting, who lost in Gent tonight, with Levski sitting third.

Levski came into the clash knowing victory would see them move into second place at the expense of their opponents. With that in mind the Bulgarians were in front after 11 minutes at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadion, when Dembele broke through the Lille backline before placing his shot into the bottom right corner from 10 yards out.

Lille were not thrown off their stride by the goal, though, and De Melo's attempts to bring them back on level terms resulted in the striker hitting the crossbar with his 22-yard drive after 21 minutes. The visitors were making their presence felt and David Rozehnal fired in a right-footed effort which fell narrowly past the left post.

Rozehnal saw his next shot from distance blocked by Levski midfielder Yordan Miliev, but the breakthrough eventually came after 35 minutes thanks to De Melo, who met a corner from Ludovic Obraniak before heading home from a few yards out. Brazilian winger Joaozinho tried to restore Levski's lead before the interval but saw his powerful drive well held by Lille keeper Mickael Landreau.

Levski also offered the first chance after the restart through Gadzhev, who curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the area which tested Landreau's abilities to the full. The Lille keeper came to the rescue again 11 minutes later, punching away another threatening strike from Gadzhev.

But the Levski midfielder eventually found a way through seven minutes from time and in spectacular fashion, running onto a pass from Joaozinho before letting fly with a 30-yard drive which nestled into the top left corner.

That looked to be decisive for the home side, but their celebrations lasted just five minutes as Lille were gifted a point when defender Ivanov - under pressure from the visitors - turned his attempt at a headed clearance into his own net barely a minute after entering the field.