RC Lens respond to Champions League draw with ambition

RC Lens will return to the Champions League after three years with a draw that combines major European names and opponents within reach. The club sees the campaign as an opportunity to make an impact in the competition’s new league phase rather than simply participate.

Lens will play Manchester City, Sporting CP, Bodo/Glimt and Como at home, while travelling to Liverpool, Club Bruges, Leipzig and Slavia Prague. Each team faces eight opponents in the 36-club league phase, with the top 24 advancing to the playoff round. The schedule therefore offers Lens a route beyond the opening stage, despite the presence of two English heavyweights.

President Joseph Oughourlian highlighted the significance of welcoming Manchester City and visiting Liverpool’s Anfield, noting that Lens have never faced either side. Sporting and Bruges provide further high-level tests, while the other fixtures give the French club opportunities to collect points. Sporting director Jean-Louis Leca said Lens would seek the maximum and would not limit their ambitions. He also pointed to Bodo/Glimt’s example from the previous season as encouragement for the campaign ahead.