2023-12-11 18:05:15
Lens (AFP) – Eliminated from the Champions League, Lens only has one European competition in mind: the Europa League, which the Sang et Or will be able to win if they do not lose on Tuesday (6:45 p.m.) at home against the Sevilla FC, deprived of its supporters.
Published on: 11/12/2023 – 7:05 p.m.
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From the nightmare experienced in London during the last day of the C1 against Arsenal (6-0) another dream was born, later, once the disillusionment had passed. That of continuing the European adventure at the lower level, within the Europa League.
Third in group B with five points, Lens is where it must remain to reach the C3, ahead of Sevilla FC, last with two points – or, more precisely, to compete in a play-off for access to the knockout stages of the League Europa against a club finishing second in its group in this competition.
After the draw (1-1) obtained through courage and self-sacrifice in Seville during the first leg, the Artesian club will obtain its ticket if it does not lose against the Rojiblancos.
The latter will not be able to count on the support of their supporters, banned from traveling on Monday by a prefectural decree of Pas-de-Calais, which evokes a risky match, in a context marked in France by numerous violent incidents during the recent months on the sidelines of football matches.
The Andalusian club announced in a press release “to present an urgent appeal, with the National Association of French Supporters” and assured that it would “use all its legal and diplomatic capacities” to overturn this decision.
“In a competition like this, it should be played on the pitch,” complained club coach Diego Alonso at the start of the evening. “We do not agree with this decision.”
Numerous absences at Sevilla FC
On the pitch, Racing coach Franck Haise, who said he “regretted” the travel ban on Andalusian fans, did not want to just keep his opponent in check.
“Clearly, we are going to play this match with the idea of winning it,” he says. “I want my players to play with confidence, to take the initiative to win it. If we have to draw 0-0, we will do it. Even if we are not a team that is in management, we know how to be pragmatic when necessary.”
© FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP
It will be necessary, at least to make up for the deficit in experience that Lens has vis-à-vis Sevilla FC, accustomed to these decisive matches and undoubtedly eager to join their favorite competition. Not at ease this season in C1, the Spanish club is however the holder of the record for victories in the Europa League, with 7 titles gleaned since 2005-2006.
However, not only is the club only in sixteenth place in La Liga, but its squad is also decimated for this match. Erik Lamela, Suso, Loïc Badé, Marcos Acuna, Jesus Navas, Dodi Lukebakio and Tanguy Kouassi are injured, while Fernando and Lucas Ocampos, scorer and main offensive threat for the Andalusian club in the first leg, are suspended.
“Let us take this match head on”
“I know that Sevilla is going through a difficult time, but what really interests me is my group, my players, my team,” still tempers Franck Haise. “Let us take this match head on. Let us play it with all our energy, all our confidence, because when we live a season with the Champions League, to make this series of ten matches in the championship without defeats… Even if I am very demanding with them, I do not forget that what they do is remarkable. I hope that we will play it fully, 100%.”
After the humiliation suffered in London, Lens hopes in any case to “show (its) most beautiful face”, points out Franck Haise. For a club the size of Lens, extending the adventure in the Europa League would be remarkable, which the Norman is well aware of.
“We must never forget where we come from, everyone, the club too,” he recalls. “Being able to qualify and continue a European Cup in 2024, I am very happy to have this chance to experience. We will live it to the fullest.”
© 2023 AFP
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