Dino Toppmöller recounts the crazy scenario that boosted Lens

After Lens's stunning victory on Thursday at the Slavia Prague ground (3-2) on the first matchday of the Champions League group stage, coach Dino Toppmöller commented on the crazy scenario that led his team to win, stating “I feel much older than yesterday.”

A crazy scenario under pressure

“How do you get out of this crazy scenario (Lens’s win in stoppage time, 3-2)?” Dino Toppmöller asked after the match. He recalled that the decisive goal came during stoppage time, overturning the 2-2.

The Slavia Prague crowd applied intense pressure, with many duels and balls in the back. “We showed top character with a lot of youngsters,” the coach emphasized, praising his players’ fighting spirit.

After two setbacks in Ligue 1 against Strasbourg and Lorient, the European win was seen as a relief. “After two defeats in Ligue 1, I say hats off,” Toppmöller said, proud of his squad’s response.

Decisive adjustments and Thauvin’s role

When asked about his confidence, he replied: “I never imagined it was over.” He added that he felt “much older than yesterday,” highlighting the emotion of the moment.

Florian Thauvin was described as “hyper important” and “never stopped asking for the ball.” His header was called a “top goal,” testifying to his decisive impact.

Toppmöller explained the switch to a four‑man defence during the game, estimating that time was needed to adjust the tactic. The introduction of Ruben Aguilar as a full‑back and keeping Abda Sima on the field longer, he said, “helped a lot” the team.

This contrast between the pressure from the Slavic‑Czech crowd and the coach’s regained composure shows Lens’s ability to bounce back in the Champions League. The coach highlighted that every player contributed to this special moment.