Lens overturns a two-goal deficit in stoppage time in Prague

Trailing 2-1 until the 90+1 minute, Racing Club de Lens turned the score around in added time to win 3-2 against Slavia Prague, thus opening their Champions League campaign.

A decisive turnaround thanks to VAR

The club was first saved by VAR, then benefited from a numerical advantage after an opponent was sent off. Thinking they would lose twice in the Czech Republic, the Lens players ultimately turned the situation around.

During the ninety regular minutes, the Blood and Gold struggled to convert their chances, a first attempt in the 25th second highlighting their defensive frailty.

Slavia thought they had taken the lead in the 35th minute, but Emmanuel Ayaosi's goal was disallowed for hand by the Nigerian striker.

The young Mikulas Konecny, barely on the pitch, was sent off in the 49th minute, paving the way for Danijel Sturm who scored in the 51st minute.

With eleven against ten, Lens pushed forward and were rewarded by Abdallah Sima who equalised in the 73rd minute.

The heroes of added time

Danijel Sturm found the net again in the 88th minute, restoring the lead to Slavia. Captain Florian Thauvin then equalised with a header in the 90+1 minute.

Two minutes later, Ruben Aguilar provided the decisive goal, sealing the 3-2 victory in the 90+3 minute. The French vice-champion will return from this trip with a huge smile, aware that situations will not always be so favourable.