UEFA Champions League, League Phase, 21/10/2026
RC Lens took the short trip across the border to face Belgian side Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League. It would be an unhappy outing for Les Lensois, who were punished for their profligacy in a 3-0 defeat.
The Match
It was a fairly sedate occasion between the two sides. Despite Brugge having defeated Inter Milan last week, there was a sense that they were cautious about their French opposition. Lens spent the majority of the first half making life difficult for their hosts, and had the better chances of the two teams.
Franjo Ivanović would hit the post shortly after Thorgan Hazard had forced a save off Brugge goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The former Swiss international would be in action to deny Junior Kadile, whose close-range header forced the keeper into a low save.
On the stroke of half-time, Brugge would take the lead. Joaquin Seys’s corner was fired at goal by Nicolò Tresoldi. Robin Risser was able to prevent the first shot, but could only poke the ball into the path of the experienced Hans Vanaken, who shot home.
After the break, Matthieu Udol would force Sommer into another save, as Lens promised to pick up where things left off. However, that promise would last only five minutes before Club Brugge extended their lead. In a similar goal to the first, Seys forced Risser into a save, and was then the fastest to pounce on the rebound to score from close range.
The substitute, Florian Thauvin, was denied when he got on the end of Michał Skóraś’s cross with a point-blank header; like his teammates, he couldn’t find a way to best Sommer.
It was well and truly game over when a poor pass from Michaël Cuisance was collected by Club Brugge. The hosts transitioned quickly, slipping Carlos Forbs down the right flank. The winger placed his shot past Risser to give his side an insurmountable lead.
Lens Player Ratings
Robin Risser, 5
Possibly had the best game of the Lens contingent. He was a bit unlucky to concede the first two goals after initially making good saves.
Matthieu Udol, 4
Samson Baidoo, 5
Replaced by Jean-Clair Todibo (4).
Ruben Aguilar, 4
Michał Skóraś, 4
Amadou Haidara, 4
Michaël Cuisance, 2
The midfielder has looked an automatic pick under Dino Toppmöller and Yannick Cahuzac, but perhaps there needs to be a question over why. The Frenchman has struggled in the middle of the park. He looks frustrated, lacking composure and creativity.
Saud Abdulhamid, 4
Thorgan Hazard, 3
A disappointing game for the summer signing. He was booed throughout on his return to his native country, courtesy of his association with Club Brugge rivals Anderlecht. He didn’t connect well with Ivanovic or Kadile. His one shining moment was his free-kick. More was expected from him when he first arrived.
Franjo Ivanović, 3
Junior Kadile, 3
Selected Club Brugge Player Ratings
Yann Sommer, 8
Joaquin Seys, 7
Carlos Forbs, 7
GFFN | Nick Hartland
About Author
