Lens were beaten 9-1 by Como at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Wednesday, suffering the heaviest defeat by a French club in Champions League history. The loss came in Lens’ fourth match of the competition and marked their third defeat in a row.
Como, coached by Cesc Fabregas, led 3-0 at half-time after repeatedly exploiting gaps in Lens’ defence. Argentine playmaker Nico Paz was central to the visitors’ performance, finishing with a goal and two assists. Lens defender Ruben Aguilar said after the match that his team had failed to follow its game plan.
Como extended its lead almost immediately after the break through Lucas Da Cunha. Anastasios Douvikas then completed a hat-trick as the Italian side continued to score, with Marc-Oliver Kempf, Mattia Liberali, Martin Baturina and 18-year-old Matteo Papaccioli also finding the net. Aguilar scored Lens’ only goal, making it 6-1 in the 65th minute.
Lens midfielder Michaël Cuisance described the result as “a lesson” and said the team needed to learn from it. He also called on the squad to show its character in the remaining four matches of the Champions League league phase. Meanwhile, Como recorded its third victory in the competition.
Sources: Le Monde Sport.