Lens book Europa League place after dramatic win over Sevilla

RC Lens secured the crucial point needed to secure a third-place finish in their UEFA Champions League group, earning a spot in the Europa League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spanish side Sevilla FC on Tuesday night.

The match kicked off cautiously with opportunities arising at both ends of the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, featuring impressive saves from Brice Samba and a shot from Sergio Ramos hitting the crossbar. The intensity heightened when Przemyslaw Frankowski slotted home from 12 yards following a lengthy VAR review that determined Boubakary Soumaré had fouled Facundo Medina in the penalty area in the 63rd minute.

However, Sevilla quickly earned a penalty of their own when Medina was deemed to have pulled Youssef En-Nesyri’s arm, prompting further protests. Ramos initially had his penalty saved, but he scored on the second attempt with a ‘Panenka’ style chip after the referee ordered a retake due to Samba encroaching off his line.

The game seemed destined for a draw until the fifth minute of added time when Angelo Fulgini capitalized on a defensive error, clinically finding the bottom corner and triggering jubilant celebrations throughout the stadium.

This victory solidifies Lens’ third-place finish in Group B with nine points, securing a place in the Europa League. On the other hand, Sevilla misses out on European qualification in what has been a disappointing season thus far.