Lens chase third straight win over Sporting in Champions League

RC Lens host Sporting CP this Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 18:45 GMT at the Bollaert‑Delelis stadium, as part of the second matchday of the Champions League group stage. Both teams arrive with clear goals: the northerners aim to string together three consecutive wins for the first time in the competition, while Rui Borges's side aspire to consolidate themselves in the Top‑8 and achieve direct qualification.

Lens Objectives

After the spectacular 3‑2 victory over Slavia Prague, Lens wants to keep the pressure on its fans. The French club has achieved six unbeaten home matches in the Champions League, with four wins and two draws, and has scored in each of its nine home games. The manager has lined up Florian Thauvin as captain, supported by Franjo Ivanović and Kadile, while Michaël Cuisance and Amadou Haidara reinforce the midfield.

Sporting's Goals

Sporting CP arrive after overturning a 1‑3 deficit against Braga, with Luis Suárez as the offensive reference. The Portuguese side, third and unbeaten in the league, seeks to repeat the success against Galatasaray (3‑1) and once again secure direct qualification to the Top‑8. Rui Borges, the revelation of last season, leads the project, and the team relies on the combination of Suárez, Geny Catamo and Irankunda.

The confirmed official line‑ups include for Lens: Risser, Ganiou, Baidoo, Antonio, Abdulhamid, Cuisance, Haidara, Udol, Thauvin, Ivanović and Kadile. Sporting present: Kaique Pereira, Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio, Eduardo Quaresma, Fresneda, Doumbia, Sergi Altimira, João Simões, Irankunda, Luis Suárez and Geny Catamo.

In the previous matchday, Lens came from behind in stoppage time against Slavia Prague, while Sporting returned to the winning path by beating Braga, with an own goal from Rui Silva that aided the comeback. Both teams have shown resilience and ambition in the league.

The match will be broadcast live on M+ Champions League 2 and can also be followed on. Expectations are high, as the result could determine both teams' positions in the Champions League table and make a difference in their respective domestic leagues.