Racing Club de Lens conceded a draw against PSV Eindhoven this Tuesday evening, at the end of a tense match where the Sang et Or were rewarded for their tenacity (1-1).
Appetite comes with eating, as they say. After more than twenty years of watching the prestigious Champions League on their sofa, the Lensois made their return to the big world with everything that makes them strong: virtues, consistency, a good dose of self-sacrifice. Even when drawing shots of the comet, they certainly would not have imagined the photograph of the ranking after two days. Before this double confrontation against PSV, the most affordable opponent on paper, Franck Haise’s gang was leading the way in their group with 4 points on the clock, following the convincing draw won in Seville (1-1) and the epic success against Arsenal in Bollaert (2-1).
We had to expect another match this Tuesday evening. A more risky match, perhaps even more dangerous. Because PSV does not have the reputation of a big name and the self-importance, even unconscious, that can go with it. And because the very theoretical concept of an affordable team on paper does not always reflect reality. In fact, Peter Bosz’s Eredivisie leader could inspire great vigilance in Lensois. Especially since Bosz, an old acquaintance from Ligue 1, knew everything about Lens.
Lens hung on
Franck Haise made no mistake: there was no question of stupidly copying the Arsenal scenario. The Lensois coach had slightly modified his starting lineup since Thomasson, scorer against the Gunners, left his place to Fulgini, the man of the masterful free kick in Seville, to support Sotoca and the Wahi arrow in attack in the traditional articulated pattern in 3-4-2-1. No change to note for the rest: all the executives were lined up at kick-off, from Samba to Machado, including the Gradit-Danso-Medina trio in defense, the Mendy-Abdul Samed tandem in the middle and the tireless Frankowski in right piston.
The Sang et Or tried to take this tactical balance of power in the right direction, but they played on a tightrope for a long time, without the slightest technical or athletic margin. PSV covered the field well. A large part of this match took place in this rather tense atmosphere. The Dutch team even had the best ammunition by exploiting its offensive circuits, with two confusing wingers, Lozano and Bakayoko, to surround an unacademic pivot, the great Luuk de Jong.
Drowning in the middle trap, Franck Haise’s men were the first to crack at this little game. After a curling shot from Lozano crashed into the post (27th), the second, signed Bakayoko, showered Bollaert ( 0-1, 54th). A new match then began. It couldn’t be otherwise. It is also the identity of this RC Lens, what gives it its charm, at an unbreathable altitude where its bursts of generosity offer it real breaths of air. So like in Seville, like against Arsenal, the Sang et Or caught their breath to resurface.
If we had to personify this winning scheme, Elye Wahi would take the prize. The Espoir international often grimaced before regaining his smile and doing a little dance, after an extended recovery with the outside of the foot to exploit a cross from Frankowski (1-1, 65th). Uncertain, the last half hour did not decide between the players, despite a few thrills from one end of the field to the other, like this strike from Medina (81st) or this shot from Ramalho (90th). Usually, French clubs pay to learn. For Lens, it’s not a hitch. The Sang et Or enjoy every moment. Perhaps they don’t even know where they are going, but they continue on their way with dreams in their heads. This is also the great adventure of the Champions League.
