Lens celebrates its return to the Champions League: a triumph after 20 years!

Lens celebrates its return to the Champions League: a triumph after 20 years!

In the 14th round of Ligue 1, Racing Club de Lens, with ÖFB legionnaire Kevin Danso in defense, celebrated a convincing 2-0 home win against Montpellier. Remy Lascary scored the first goal in the 39th minute, followed by an own goal from Becir Omeragic in stoppage time. With this victory, Lens consolidated seventh place in the table with 23 points, while Montpellier, which is in last place, is already five points behind the rescue places. Lens has once again proven that they are one of the serious competitors in the league, as reported by LAOLA1.

Celebrations in Lens

Even before the game, the city of Lens was filled with a festive atmosphere. Fans in yellow and red jerseys gathered in the city and streamed into the venerable Stade Bollaert-Delelis stadium, which, with a capacity of over 38,000, has more inhabitants than the city itself. Players and fans were celebrated in a magnificent 3-0 victory over Ajaccio, which culminated in fireworks and champagne. The emotions became clear when defender Jonathan Gradit said after the game: “This is another reward for everything we have achieved.” Lens has finally qualified for the Champions League again after more than 20 years, greatly increasing the anticipation and pride of supporters, as the New York Times reported.

Lens, which last represented the Champions League in the 1998/99 season, has undergone impressive development under president Joseph Oughourlian. After a dramatic relegation in the past, the team has stabilized and achieved an unexpected second place in Ligue 1, taking them straight into the group stage of the Champions League. This return to the top of Europe was accompanied by a clear plan and hard work from the entire team.

Lens fans, who have built a strong bond with the team over the years, are now experiencing exciting times. The unprecedented support from supporters and corresponding performances on the pitch are taking the city and the club to new heights. Despite challenges such as losing key players to bigger clubs, Lens have managed to establish themselves as serious contenders in Ligue 1 and will carry this momentum into next season.