In a special season, Lens — who are finalists in the Coupe de France — remain in the Ligue 1 title race with PSG.
And this Friday (8), they mathematically secured their place in next season’s Champions League league phase.
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The 1-0 win over Nantes in front of their home fans also confirmed their opponent’s relegation to Ligue 2, the local second division.
The goal was scored by young Portuguese player Mezian Soares, just 16 years old, who made his debut this season.
The place in their fourth Champions League campaign was celebrated on their social media in the already “traditional” “format” for the club. Check it out below:
The inspiration from “The Simpsons,” the animated TV series created by Matt Groening that has had more than 800 episodes since 1989, first appeared last year.
The club’s new signings were introduced as characters from the cartoon, which led to several episodes — available on the club’s YouTube profile.
Can they overtake PSG?
Lens reached 67 points after playing their 32nd match at the start of Ligue 1’s 33rd round.
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They can no longer be caught by Lille, who are fourth with 58 — only the top three go directly into the UCL league phase.
Leaders PSG have 70 points from 31 matches. They will reach the same number of games this Sunday (10), when they host Brest (12th).
The two sides will then face each other right after that, on Wednesday (13), in a postponed fixture from the 29th round. It will be played at Lens’ home ground, the Stade Félix-Bollaert.
After that, each side will have only one Ligue 1 match left.
PSG will visit Paris FC, their tormentors in the Coupe de France.
Lens, meanwhile, will also be away from home, facing Lyon.
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Their final match of the season will be the Coupe de France final against Nice. It will be played at the Stade de France.
Lens have won one French title (1997-1998) and one Coupe de la Ligue (1998–99).
They are chasing their first domestic cup after three runner-up finishes — the most recent in 1997-98.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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