Lens lost to PSV Eindhoven this Wednesday on the 4th day of the Champions League group stage (0-1). A first hitch at the end of a frustrating scenario.
As winter approaches, the breath of fresh air that accompanies RC Lens in Europe is still there. Because there should be no mistake: this continental campaign will remain a success, whatever the outcome, more than two decades after the club’s last participation in the Champions League. Until then, Franck Haise’s gang had managed to overcome obstacles thanks to the virtues that made them strong – consistency, intelligence and tenacity. Qualities which allowed the Lensois to remain undefeated before the kick-off of this match in Eindhoven. But this time, Lens cracked. Without demerit.
Today’s meeting posed a major challenge. Because for the first time, perhaps, Lens had more to lose than to gain. Because the surprise effect has obviously passed. And because PSV, which perhaps does not have the pedigree of Arsenal or Sevilla, had shown enough to Bollaert not to be taken seriously. When you invite yourself into the elite of European football, you can enter through the back door and take up a little more space than expected, depending on the turn of events.
Lens trapped by PSV
We will have understood, the vice-champions of France got caught up in the game. And in its challenges. The one in the evening was very clear: not to lose at the Philips Stadion to keep PSV at bay and offer a final at Bollaert against Sevilla for qualification in eighth. The main unknown in the approach to the match concerned the offensive animation, where two of the architects of this course, Thomasson and Fulgini, are neck and neck to support Sotoca and Wahi. Franck Haise opted for the second, the man of success against Arsenal.
The Lensois expected to go through some turbulence on the lawn of the Eredivisie leader. Two weeks ago, during the first round, Peter Bosz’s team had already shown its ability to take control of operations thanks to its use of the lanes, with two arrows difficult to manage on the sides around the pivot De Jong . This scenario happened again. And the people of Lens have seen all the colors. Pushed by a well-oiled machine in a fairly hostile atmosphere, the Sang et Or were unable to resist the Dutch assaults.
PSV was rewarded in the 12th minute of play by De Jong, precisely. The slender Dutchman placed a perfect helmet shot upon receiving a returning cross from Bakayoko (1-0, 12th). An opening score which did not radically change the appearance of the match, unlike the first round. Because this time, Franck Haise’s men were unable to impose their high pressure to create a real highlight.
The second act was more lively, in the pouring rain, as time passed and tempers grew heated. In this trap, the Lensois still showed a lot of personality, but their burst of pride came too late. We had to wait until the last half hour to see them go up a notch and multiply the heated situations on their host’s goal, like the incoming Guilavogui, unhappy when he saw his attempt crash into the post (88th) before leaving his teammates at ten in stride (90th+2). Danso had no more success seeing Tillman save his on his line (90th + 1).
However, it would be simplistic to say that PSV’s success is happy. This team has a lot of vice and a good dose of talent, too. Bakayoko, powerful and disconcerting, continued to make his counterpart in a cold sweat on his side, and the score could also have been larger without a Samba up to the occasion. For Lens, it’s a first hitch, but nothing is lost. Despite the trip to the Emirates on November 29, there will be something to play for against Sevilla two weeks later. This remains a small feat. Appointments are made.
