Lens is up to the task

The challenge was significant for Lens: to reconnect with the big European scene on the pitch of Sevilla FC after having had a series of disappointments in the league since the start of the season. Quartered at 18^e and last place in the elite after five disputed days of Ligue 1, the outgoing French vice-champions were able to re-mobilize this Wednesday to obtain a good point on Andalusian soil (1-1).

Nothing was easy of course since the Sang et Or found themselves trailing in the ninth minute on a header from former Marseillais Ocampos. A delay in lighting fortunately followed by a beautiful reaction of pride on the part of the Artésiens, who were able to pick up the score from the first act, on a free kick masterfully executed by Fulgini (1-1, 24^e).

Fulgini’s masterful free kick (video) https://t.co/2MKOoqize0

— Sports.fr (@sports_fr) September 20, 2023

In the second half, each of the two teams had the opportunities to kill the match – the Lensois in quick succession, with two helmet hits from Guilavogui and Sotoca (80th), for two exceptional saves from Dmitrovic. “We had a big match,” the Lensois scorer of the evening whispered hotly on Canal+. We started badly but we didn’t give up despite our current difficulties. We took a point here, in a great atmosphere, and we could even have won; we were strong, and that’s important for the future. We showed a beautiful face of the club. We have a quality group and we proved it tonight. »

Certainly a good omen for future deadlines. Starting with the European challenges that now await Franck Haise’s men. In two weeks, they will have to welcome the Gunners to Bollaert who at the same time made short work of PSV Eindhoven (4-0). This is thanks to the achievements of Saka (8^e), Trossard (20^e), Gabriel Jesus (38^e) and Odegaard (70^e).