)
The last time Lens were in the UEFA Champions League, they had a certain John Utaka in their ranks
Ligue 1 side Lens have reached a historic achievement in the 2022/23 season by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stages for only the third time in the team’s history following a second-place finish in the league.
Lens back in the European big-times
Lens have not played in the European elite since the 2002/23 season, when they finished above Bayern Munich in the group stages, although they were still unable to qualify for the second round.
Les Sang et Or were impressive in that campaign despite finishing third, punching above their weight to earn decent results against European heavyweights Bayern Munich and AC Milan.
)
Lens were unbeaten in both matches against Bayern Munich, with two draws, and claimed a famous victory against Milan thanks to a winning goal from Nigerian forward John Utaka.
Lens seal European qualification
They will be hoping to better that performance next season after sealing qualification for the UCL group stages next season thanks to a 3-0 victory over Ajaccio in game week 37 of Ligue 1.
Three first-half goals from Deiver Machado, Adrien Thomasson, and Lois Openda, who became the club’s joint-highest scorer in a Ligue 1 season, sealed the second spot for Lens as they could no longer be caught by Marseille in third.
The tiny team from Pas-de-Calais were playing Ligue 2 football just two seasons ago, but are now set for a place in Europe’s biggest competition after a stunning season that saw them push eventual champions PSG all the way to the penultimate game of the season.
Related content
)
16:10 - 27.04.2023
Arsenal set sight on Lens striker Lois Openda
Lois Openda, a striker for Lens who has dominated Ligue 1 with Franck Haise's team this season, is supposedly the target of an Arsenal summer transfer.
)
10:30 - 24.04.2023
LIGUE 1 Team of Week 32: Mbappe edges PSG closer to title, deadly Openda, Dijku, Traore thrive
Following every round of Ligue 1 fixtures, Pulse Sports presents the most impressive performers of the matchday.
)
12:00 - 13.03.2023
LIGUE 1 Record-breaker David and a host of Lens players make up gameweek 27's TOTW
After a 4-0 win at the weekend, Lens dominate the Team of the Week with four players
)
23:05 - 01.03.2023
COUPE DE FRANCE Moses Simon helps Nantes beat Lens to advance to the semi-final
Nantes are through to the Coupe De France semi-final after beating Lens 2-1.
)
20:37 - 07.01.2023
COUPE DE FRANCE Bailly sees red as Seko Fofana sends Lens through to Coup de France round of 32
It was a mixed bag for Ivorians in the Coupe de France as Bailly got sent off while Fofana inspired
)
15:12 - 02.01.2023
Lens' surprising title charge backed unsurprisingly by their African core
Lens’ Ligue 1 title charge is being led by a core of African players, but the club, which has played host to greats like John Utaka, Rigobert Song, and Papa Bouba Diop, is no stranger to the continent’s greatness.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![[VIDEO] AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha escapes wrath of angry fans after Ulinzi Stars loss](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03112024/e18b8bcd-3659-4f97-ae2f-53f48f19137c.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
)
)