In a match whose intensity did not drop for a single moment, the Lensois responded to the physical challenge imposed by the Sevillians, securing a draw for their first C1 match in 21 years.
The return of the thrills of the Champions League and its intensity. 21 years after its last European campaign, the Lensois were brought back to the scent of continental games, Wednesday September 20. They managed to grab a draw in Seville, against the winner of the last Europa League (1-1), at the end of a grueling meeting full of duels. If they have reassured themselves, some regrets may be felt, as they have increased the number of dangerous situations in the opposing camp.
Their catastrophic start to the season in Ligue 1 (4 defeats and a draw) gave rise to fears of a disappointment entering the European scene, but the Lensois delivered a real Champions League match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium. All novices in C1, with the exception of Nampalys Mendy (only 1 appearance), the Sang et Or, however, needed a few minutes of adaptation. Minutes which the more experienced Sevillians took advantage of to shower the Artésiens from the start, with a goal from Lucas Ocampos, who lobbed Brice Samba with a header (9th).
Stifled and outpaced, the Lensois failed to get their foot on the ball during the first 20 minutes. It was the rookie Elye Wahi who sounded the revolt with his flashes, obtaining a free kick for the equalizer, transformed by Angelo Fulgini with a shot into the top corner (24th).
A positive result to move forward
Enough to disinhibit the Blood and Gold and rebalance the game. Real poison for the Sevillian defense, Elye Wahi continued to bring danger but sometimes lacked support. Franck Haise’s men responded to the physical challenge until the end of the match and even had the possibility of winning on a header from Morgan Guilavogui at close range, pushed back by the Andalusian club’s goalkeeper (78th).
“We had a big match. We started off badly with this goal, but we didn’t give up despite our difficulties at the moment. We were united, as a team. Despite what might be said, we never doubted . We have confidence in our playing principles and in our group.”welcomed the scorer, Angelo Fulgini, at the microphone of Canal+. The Lensois will try to use this successful start to finally launch their season, in Ligue 1, against Toulouse on Sunday. They will return to the European scene in two weeks against a big player, Arsenal, who made short work of PSV Eindhoven (4-0).