RC Lens Humiliated 1-9 by Como in Historic Champions League Record Defeat

The RC Lens suffered a historic defeat in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, falling 9-1 to Como in a match that shattered multiple defensive and continental records. The result represents the largest margin of defeat in the history of the French club and marks the first time a team has conceded nine goals in a single match since the Champions League was rebranded in 1992.

A Historic Defensive Collapse in Bollaert

The scale of the loss at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis surpassed the previous worst defeat in Lens’ history, which occurred on May 10, 2013, when the team lost 7-0 to Guingamp in Ligue 2. Wednesday’s performance also eclipsed recent French struggles in European competition, including the 7-0 loss suffered by Stade Brestois against Paris Saint-Germain in February 2025 and an earlier 6-0 defeat Lens experienced against Arsenal in November 2023.

Champions League: Lens suffer historic 9-1 defeat against Como • FRANCE 24 English

Statistical records indicate that such a heavy loss is rare in modern European football. Prior to this match, the largest margin of defeat in the competition’s modern era was eight goals, a mark shared by Besiktas in their 8-0 loss to Liverpool in 2007 and Malmö in their 8-0 defeat to Real Madrid in 2015. To find a comparable blowout in the history of the European Cup, one must look back to 1973, when Crusaders FC lost 11-0 to Dinamo Bucarest, or 1971, when Feyenoord defeated Olympiakos Nicosie 9-0. Lens also set a negative benchmark as the first team to concede nine goals in a Champions League match played on home soil.

Como’s Offensive Performance

For the Italian side, the victory represents a significant statistical milestone. Como had not secured a win of this magnitude in 83 years, dating back to a 14-0 victory over ASD Vis Nova Giussano in the Italian third division in December 1942. Forward Nico Paz stood out for the visitors, contributing to the offensive effort while also paying tribute to the late Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel after scoring. Paz, who had previously played for Tenerife, honored the forward who passed away following a collision in a second-division match.

RC Lens Humiliated 1-9 by Como in Historic Champions League Record Defeat — Photo: Sudinfo

Skoras was cited for errors on the opening goals, while goalkeeper Risser was described as being left unsupported by his teammates for much of the match. Midfielder Thorgan Hazard was largely invisible during the proceedings. Conversely, Como’s Lucas Da Cunha, recently called up by Zinédine Zidane for a match against Belgium, provided a standout performance. He scored in the 40th minute and assisted Da Cunha in the 47th.

Off-Field Controversy Following the Defeat

The aftermath of the match drew additional scrutiny due to a broadcast incident involving consultants on Canal+. Believing they were off-air, several commentators discussed the match with a casual tone that contrasted sharply with the gravity of the result. During the exchange, consultant Laure Boulleau remarked, On aura bien rigolé quand même. An exchange between Walid Regragui and Bertrand Latour gained attention when Regragui asked if his colleague had placed a bet on the match. Latour confirmed, Ah oui, ça a été une bonne soirée, financièrement, estimating his winnings between 500 and 550 euros after betting on a high goal total.