Tops
Imperial on the national scene for several months (ten consecutive matches without a setback), the Lensois confirmed their difficulties on the European scene after their rout at Arsenal two weeks ago (6-0), but showed resilience. At the same time, they won 3rd place in group B, and will play a play-off against the 2nd in the Europa League groups next February. The great adventure continues.
Jostled, withdrawn in their last twenty meters, the Artesians came very close to disaster on a missed shot from Sergio Ramos, alone at the penalty spot (90th 4th). In the process, Sotoca broke away to recover the ball from Salas’s feet then to serve Fulgini. The former Angevin stole his ball to give his team victory. What followed was an explosion of joy from the entire city. A magical moment for Sang et Or supporters.
That the catastrophic start to the Lensois season seems far away (one point in five Ligue 1 matches). For twelve weeks, the observation has been simple if we except the two European losses against PSV and Arsenal: Franck Haise’s men are undefeated and have a flattering record (eight wins now, six draws).
The twists and turns in the Sevillian news have gone around the football world in Europe. Monday evening, ministerial and prefectural decrees prohibited the movement of supporters from Seville to Lens, while some were already present in the North. The Council of State suspended the two decrees on Tuesday, and RCL supporters offered a nice round of applause to the hundreds of Spanish fans before the game.
Flops
The meeting was one-sided for a long time: the Sevillians dominated the proceedings, confiscating the ball through their technical and tactical superiority. The last runner-up in L1 did not even approach the opposing penalty area during the first 45 minutes. The final statistics leave no room for doubt: three shots against ten, 38% possession.
Seven-time winners of the C3, including the last edition, the Andalusians will not be able to defend their title. A logical continuation of a nightmarish season: the men of Diego Alonso, who arrived during the season but who may not be able to withstand this defeat, have not won in the league or on the European scene since September 26. It is also their 10th match without a win away in the Champions League (4 defeats, 6 draws).