Champions League: Lens offers a draw on the lawn of Sevilla
For its reunion with the Champions League, Lens obtained a draw (1-1) at Sevilla on Wednesday, September 20, synonymous with good result after a nightmarish start to the season in Ligue 1.
Angelo Fulgini (l) celebrates his free-kick goal against Sevilla on September 20, 2023. AFP - JORGE GUERRERO
By: Farid Achache Follow
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Time passed between Lens' great season in 2022-2023, where the club had largely deserved its place in the Champions League, and this beginning of the year. If the Artésiens had foiled all the predictions to invite themselves among the great of Europe, finishing second in Ligue 1, one point behind the champion, Paris Saint-Germain, it is a real ordeal that Lens lives since the beginning of the Championship with four defeats in five games and a draw.
Against Sevilla, for this first exit in the Champions League, the Lensois wanted to write another story for their return to the European level, even as Petit Poucet of Group B, where Arsenal bears the label of favorite, Sevilla is on the lookout and PSV Eindhoven a little further behind.
Samba makes an incredible save
Lens, currently last in Ligue 1, have only played in the Champions League twice (1998-99 and 2002-03), without ever managing to get out of their group. Tonight, against Sevilla, the Blood and Gold clung to the idea of finally shining this season for this first meeting against the Sevillistas in C1.
Sevilla, winners of the Europa League seven times, quickly showered the Northerners after a header from Argentine Lucas Ocampos who lobbed Brice Samba (9th). But not enough to discourage the Lensois who equalized on a free kick with Angelo Fulgini, after a precise shot from the right that deceived Marko Dmitrovic.
In the first half, Lens was able to count on their goalkeeper, when Samba made an incredible save from close range with his right hand after a strike from Ocampos (31st). Lens was very hot. Samba also caught a header from En-Nesyri (40th).
Fully in the game, the Northerners had the opportunity to double the lead in the second half on several occasions, especially when Elye Wahi challenged Sergio Ramos by entering the box. His strike from the right will be countered in the corner (58th).
On a centre at the second post by Przemysław Frankowski, Morgan Guilavogui regained the lead from six yards, but Dmitrovic deflected reflexively over his bar (78th).
Twenty years after their previous C1, the artesian troops, almost neophytes at this level, return home with their heads held high with this draw.
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