RC Lens divides observers after its feat in Prague

Under the lights of the Prague stadium, RC Lens, led by Florian Thauvin & Co, overturned Slavia Prague 3-2 in added time, offering supporters an unforgettable European evening on September 10, 2026, despite conceding two goals in the first half.

A victory praised but contested

Praised by the critics, the feat achieved by RC Lens against Slavia Prague in the Champions League does not find a unanimous echo among all observers. Journalist Daniel Riolo also stated: « The match is not good ».

Emotion swept the stadium, coach Dino Toppmöller seeing his team snatch three precious points. However, Riolo recalled his expectations: « This year, I will expect Lens to deliver crazy evenings with emotion. That is exactly what we got. But, without added time, the match is not good. You were pushed around all the way. The judgments would have been extremely harsh. »

Critiques on the media perception

Samir Nasi, former OM player, criticised the media coverage, believing it favours RC Lens. He asserted: « You talk about it as if what Lens achieved is a crazy thing. I say that if it had been other French clubs that delivered this kind of performance, they would have been swept aside, we wouldn’t talk about it as if it were the feat of the century… »

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L’Équipe warned against a “euphoric falsehood”. The daily wrote: « We will need to look more closely at the content to avoid falling into a euphoric falsehood. Lens disappointed against a willing opponent but with an evident lack of quality at this level. »

Defensive stakes for the future

Despite being down to ten men, Slavia Prague put RC Lens in great difficulty. An observer noted: « Even when outnumbered, these Czechs still pushed the Sang et Or who were completely lost behind with a trio made in la Gaillette overwhelmed by events. »

The Prague scenario cannot be repeated every week, which forces Dino Toppmöller to strengthen his team’s defensive solidity. He will have to turn this miracle into a lasting dynamic.

This victory provides three precious points but must not hide the flaws exposed for nearly ninety minutes. The hardest part starts now for RC Lens, which must combine spectacle and rigor.