Ruben Aguilar gives Lens a late Champions League lift

Ruben Aguilar said Lens’ remarkable European turnaround showed the unique emotions connected with representing the club. The defender, who struck the winning goal, stressed that players must give their full commitment to the Lens badge and to the supporters, even when performances do not go as planned. He described the feeling after the victory as exceptional and said he was proud of the team.

Lens beat Slavia Prague 3-2 after entering stoppage time behind. Florian Thauvin levelled in the first additional minute, and Aguilar completed the comeback two minutes later. His late finish transformed a match that appeared to be slipping away into a victory for the French side.

Aguilar also celebrated the contribution of Thauvin, his former teammate from their training years. The pair scored in the same match, with the Lens defender describing the ending as impossible to have scripted but worthy of being enjoyed. Their goals secured the result in the closing moments.

The defender reserved further praise for Mezian Mesloub, the 16-year-old who came on and immediately caused problems for Slavia’s defence. Aguilar said the teenager would need careful support and continued development, while making clear that Lens were pleased with the impact of his introduction.