RC Lens dominated Arsenal on Tuesday evening in the Champions League. CHRISTIAN HARTMANN / REUTERS
The northern club experienced a historic evening by beating Arsenal (2-1) on Tuesday evening during the 2nd day of the Champions League.
Lens-Arsenal 2-1
Lens : Thomasson (25e), Wahi (69e)
Arsenal : Jesus (14e)
What a feat! Lens defied the predictions this Tuesday, by winning against Arsenal in the Champions League (2-1). For his reunion with the European scene, Felix-Bollaert was spoiled and saw his team reverse a poorly started situation. After two matches, the RCL is at the top of its group after the draw between PSV and Sevilla (2-2).
Thomasson makes up for it with a jewel
As in Seville for their entry into this C1, the Sang et Or made a false start in this match. The Gunners quickly imposed their technical superiority and were quick to open the scoring, with a cross strike from Jesus (1-0, 14th). But once again, the RCL knew how to react. And in an incandescent atmosphere, Thomasson perfectly made up for his mistake on the London goal. Well served by Wahi, the former Strasbourg player, who had missed the target a few moments earlier (24th), equalized with a beautiful curling shot at the entrance to the area (1-1, 25th). Back up to par, the Lensois gained momentum, their intense pressing undermined the uninspired Gunners, and quickly orphaned Saka, who was injured (34th).
Wow Arsenal punit
With confidence, the Northerners confirmed their good intentions after returning from the locker room. If Arsenal regained control of the ball, the RCL was able to thwart the opposing plans by imposing great intensity in the duels and recovery, while playing the transitions wisely. And in the absence of the visitors, Franck Haise’s men were able to be effective on both surfaces. While Samba was responsible for disgusting Trossard (48th) and especially Tomiyasu (66th), Wahi capsized Bollaert after a great collective action (2-1, 69th). Mikel Arteta’s coaching has not really had an effect on the pitch. After a final save from Gradit (88th), the RCL was able to maintain its advantage and inflict their first defeat of the season on the Gunners.
Lens scored a double blow in this superb evening. In addition to offering their supporters a historic victory, the Sang et Or took advantage of this success to take the lead in Group B, one point ahead of Arsenal. In the other group match, PSV Eindhoven and Seville neutralized each other (2-2). Next meeting on October 24 against the Dutch in the Bollaert cauldron. For another magical evening?
