The cruelty of the European Cup was manifested for RC Lens this Thursday in Germany. Aiming to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League when they travel to Fribourg, a victory was imperative for the Lensois after their 0-0 draw at home in the first leg at Bollaert.

However, the start of the match was ideal for the team led by Franck Haise, thanks to goals from David Pereira da Costa and Elye Wahi, putting Lens in a position of strength. However, the German team managed to equalize in the final seconds and then take the lead during overtime, sealing the match at 3-2.

The perceptible disappointment of Florian Sotoca

At the microphone of RMC Sport, Florian Sotoca returned to this cruel scenario: “Given our first half, we deserve to qualify, but they did what was necessary to put us in danger in the second half and we were unable to respond. It’s difficult. It’s nothing. It hurts, we wanted to continue the European adventure. »

Despite this major disillusionment, the Lensois striker retains many positives from this European journey: “We will be very proud when we look back on the journey we have taken. »

Place in Ligue 1 now. The Bollaert residents will have to get back on their feet quickly, because two shocks await them: the reception of AS Monaco on February 25, before traveling to Parc OL on March 3.