After winning a draw on the pitch of Sevilla FC (1-1), Lens attacks another big name in European football, Arsenal. A match which seals the reunion between the Bollaert stadium and the Champions League.
Published on: 03/10/2023 – 07:11
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The meeting promises to be incandescent. With newfound confidence, Lens will celebrate the return of the Champions League to its Stade Bollaert by coming up against Arsenal on Tuesday, October 3, the leader of Group B and apparently much superior. This match against the Londoners, already at the top of their group after their trip against PSV Eindhoven (4-0), constitutes a summit for the players of the Artesian club, much higher in their eyes than the Ligue 1 games, even those against Paris Saint-Germain or against rival Lille.
The biggest challenge they have faced? “In the Champions League, certainly,” replies Lensois coach Franck Haise. “The experience, the quality, the past, the present of this team make it a big challenge.”
But the one who was elected best coach of last season at the end of an exercise finished in an unexpected second place recalls, with a smile: “Teams of different categories, we also met in Ligue 1, notably Paris , and we managed to achieve results.”
No need to invoke such memories: the draw obtained by merit and courage in Seville (1-1) during the first day of C1 two weeks ago showed that the Sang et Or were capable of playing a score at the height of the famous anthem of the most prestigious European club competition.
Lensois striker Morgan Guilavogui (r.) fighting with Sevillian defender Sergio Ramos, during the first match of the Champions League group stage, September 20, 2023, in Seville. © Cristina Quicler, AFP
Positive dynamics
However, a victory against the reigning English vice-champion, currently third, with a completely different budget and internationally renowned players – Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice to name a few – would go directly into the golden book of the exploits of the northern club.
“The most important thing is to play it, this match, and not watch them,” says Florian Sotoca, player of all the latest feats of the mining basin club.
“We are above all outsiders, the little Tom Thumbs of this competition and we have no fear of these matches, it is only positive for us, pleasure, he explains. If we must have “One fear is not showing our true colors. I think that in Seville we showed it, and I hope that we will do it in the next five Champions League matches.”
Since this successful first in Andalusia, the Lensois have won their first two victories of the season, against Toulouse (2-1) then at Strasbourg (0-1), a sign of renewal after a poor start (four defeats in five matches ), which had dropped him to last place in the championship.
Arsenal, with its European history and its stars, arrives in Lens as favorites. This is Bukayo Saka (r.) during the Premier League match at Bournemouth on September 30, 2023. © Adrian Dennis, AFP
Fifteenth, the Artois club is only a few crampons above the relegation zone, but is benefiting from a positive dynamic. “Victures always bring an increase in confidence, welcomes Franck Haise. They have obviously done good for the whole group. What is certain is that, thanks to this meeting, we have [à Séville]but not only, knew how to live up to what the Champions League is and that certainly strengthened the group to continue behind.”
It is therefore with their shoulders relieved of a little pressure that the Lensois will enter the Stade Bollaert, which is hosting its first match in this competition for twenty-one years.
For the occasion, the Lensois players will adorn themselves with the gold which adorned the tunic of their elders who won Arsenal (1-0) at Wembley on November 25, 1998. A special jersey in the hope of a similar feat.
With AFP
