With RC Lens returning to the Champions League after over 20 years, this group stage is taken as a big challenge for them, with their home match against Arsenal being seen as almost historic.
That’s why there’s quite a lot of excitement at the French club, and speaking to the local media today, striker Florian Sotoca talked about the match against the Gunners.
Quoted by L’Equipe, the 32-year-old claimed they’ll do their best to irritate Arsenal and get a good result at home.
“Above all, it’s an immense source of pride to welcome such a club here to Bollaert-Delelis, who haven’t experienced Europe for over twenty years. There will be a lot of emotion before and after the match,” said Sotoca.
“We’re going to try and show our true colours. It won’t be easy for them either. It’s up to us to do as well as we did in our last two matches in L1. And to do everything we can to annoy them.”
Lens got a good result with their 1-1 draw against Sevilla in Spain, and now hope to add some more points in the tough challenge against the Gunners.
The expectation for this match is so big that the French club will be wearing a special kit, inspired by their last Champions League participation.
After thrashing PSV 4-0 in the first fixture, Arsenal are undoubtedly the team to beat in Group B, and will look very well placed for qualification should they get another win in their second match.