Lens takes an option – Debrief and players’ notes (Lens 2-1 Panathinaikos)

Down a man for over an hour, Lens nevertheless got the better of Panathinaikos (2-1) on Thursday in the first leg of the Conference League play-off. A logical victory which puts the Artesian club in a good position ahead of the return leg in Athens in a week’s time.

One match. That’s all that stands between Will Still and a first appearance in a European Cup. On Thursday, Lens took a good step towards qualifying for the Conference League with a 2-1 win over Panathinaikos in the first leg of the play-off. Not helped by Facundo Medina’s early dismissal, the Artesian club will have to hold off their opponents in a week’s time in Athens if they are to validate their ticket for the final phase of the tournament.

Medina in the role of the dunce

A great atmosphere, a perfect pitch, ideal weather conditions: everything was in place for a great match. And the Lensois quickly got off to a good start thanks to Frankowski, who finished after a wonderful opening from Sotoca (1-0, 4th). A dream start for the Sang-et-Or, who were clearly on top and came close to breaking the deadlock through Saïd, Machado and Diouf. But their enthusiasm was dampened after just 20 minutes. Already cautioned, Medina was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Bakasetas’ calf.

With ten men against eleven, things began to get tougher for Lensois. Seconds after the Argentinian’s exit, Djuricic came close to equalising with a header that was parried by Samba. The introduction of Khusanov to compensate for Medina’s departure brought stability and serenity. This was enough for Saïd to take the lead again, setting up Dragowski in two stages after a fine cross from Thomasson (2-0, 34th). Play, desire, solidarity – nothing could touch Will Still’s team in the first half.

Ioannidis scores a sensational goal

To cool things down, Ioannidis volunteered his services. The Pana captain, who had been discreet in the first half, reduced the deficit after an incredible five-man festival to punish Samba (2-1, 53rd). An extraordinary slalom and certainly one of the goals of the early season. However, Dragowski pulled off a miraculous save to prevent Danso from scoring a third from close range.

Despite the headwinds, the home side refused to give up and did everything in their power to repel their opponents. The defenders, like Danso, did their utmost to repel the Athens club’s offensives, which were becoming increasingly regular. The fans at Stade Bollaert were delighted when the referee reversed his decision to award a penalty to Pana after Khusanov’s hand had stuck to his body. A well-deserved victory that will have to be confirmed in a week’s time if we are to reach the final phase of the Conference League.

Match rating: 7/10

A really good match. Lens were scintillating in the first half, despite Medina’s expulsion, and showed great character in the second half to seal victory. There was a great atmosphere, plenty of chances, an exceptional Panathinaikos goal and suspense right to the end.

The goals:

– On the left, Sotoca leaned on Thomasson with his back to goal. The Lens striker sent a marvellous pass down the right to Frankowski, who controlled the ball in the box before firing past Dragowski into the far corner of the net (1-0, 4th).
– Machado escaped a tackle from Arão and ran forty yards with the ball. The Colombian left-back shifted to his left for Thomasson, who crossed hard in front of goal. The ball was met by Saïd who, after a rebound had been parried by Dragowski, sent the ball into the net at his near post (2-0, 34th).
– With his back to goal 30 yards out, Ioannidis sidestepped Thomasson and took on four other Lens players in the middle to run into the box. With his toe, the Greek striker beat Samba, who was too short to prevent his shot (2-1, 54th).