The hope of a European qualification for RC Lens, initially dependent on a victory by Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League, has definitely faded after the Lyon elimination against Manchester United. Olympique Lyonnais, who had an encouraging form in recent weeks, led to the score up to a few minutes from the end of the game at Old Trafford, before suffering a spectacular collapse in overtime, winning three goals that sealed their defeat on the score of 5-4. This event eliminates any concrete possibility for RC Lens to access European competitions next season.

The seventh place, potentially qualifying if the Paris Saint-Germain won the Coupe de France, is now inaccessible, distancing the RC Lens by six points. A favourable scenario, involving a significant overperformance of the Sang et Or, coupled with a substantial decline on the part of Nice, Strasbourg and Lille, is no longer possible, even for the most optimistic supporters. The prospects for qualification have therefore diminished, making initial hope difficult to maintain.

As a result, RC Lens must now focus on its national goals, abandoning its European ambitions for the 2025-2026 season. Although an additional hope related to the PSG’s potential victory in the Coupe de France persists, it is no longer enough to offer a realistic path to European competition. The team will need to redouble its efforts to achieve its remaining goals and prepare for the next season in a context of sporting disillusionment.