Lens Face Greek Test: Conference League Play-Off Preview
RC Lens, hoping to secure a second consecutive season of European football, will face Greek giants Panathinaikos in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off on Thursday at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
The French outfit tasted Champions League action last season, finishing third in Ligue 1 before falling to SC Freiburg in the Europa League play-off. Under new manager Will Still, Lens are eager to return to the continental stage, and they enter this matchup riding the wave of a positive start to the season. Still's side triumphed 1-0 over Angers SCO last Sunday, courtesy of a goal from Wesley Saïd, boosting their confidence ahead of the Greek clash.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos navigated a turbulent path to the Conference League play-off. Diego Alonso's team overcame Hungarian opposition in the Europa League second qualifying round, only to be knocked out by Ajax in the subsequent round after a penalty shootout defeat. This setback sent them tumbling down to the Conference League, and they arrive in Lens seeking redemption following a 1-0 opening day defeat to Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Super League.
Panathinaikos' Brazilian attacking midfielder Tetê possesses prior experience against Ligue 1 teams, having spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Olympique Lyonnais. The 24-year-old scored eight goals and registered 10 assists in 30 appearances for the Lyon club, making him a key threat for the Athenian side.
Lens, however, will be missing the services of Elye Wahi, who departed this summer after finding the back of the net twice during last season's Champions League group stage and once in the Europa League play-off. The absence of their prolific striker adds a layer of intrigue to this clash, with both sides eager to see which players step up and deliver in crucial moments.
Thursday's encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between two determined teams with contrasting journeys to the play-off stage. Lens will leverage their home advantage and early season momentum, while Panathinaikos will look to harness their European pedigree and Tetê's Ligue 1 experience to overcome the hurdle and progress to the group stage.
