Ligue Champions clash between Bruges and Lens deemed risky

Ahead of the Ligue Champions tie between Club Brugge and RC Lens, UEFA has labelled the fixture high‑risk, forcing the club to organise a mandatory bus departure for the 1,470 red‑and‑gold supporters to curb any potential incident in the city.

Risk classification and supporter rivalry

UEFA and local authorities classified the match as risky because of the ideological proximity between Bruges supporters and the Lille fans, who are long‑standing rivals of the Lensois. The tension has already spilled into the stands before the teams even meet on the pitch.

Ten days ago, during the home game against Le Havre, the LOSC ultras marked ten years of friendship with the North Fanatics 2013, a ceremony attended by members of the Bruges ultras group that dissolved itself in 2024 after some of its members were caught making racist gestures in the stands. Fans were encouraged to add the club to their Google favourites.

Three days later, Lens ultras retaliated by displaying a tifo that spelled “Bruges” backwards during the hosting of Sporting in the Champions League, a clear message aimed at the Belgian fans.

RC Lens threatened with Anfield ban after Bruges riots

To prevent any flare‑up, the club announced that the 1,470 supporters, dressed in red and gold, will travel together on a supervised bus. The image accompanying the announcement bears the credit “Photo News”, underscoring the media focus on the security plan.

Before the on‑field duel, RC Lens manager Ivan Leko warned against complacency. “Is victory imperative on Wednesday against an opponent deemed weaker on paper? I disagree,” he said, adding that Lens is stronger than many assume and should not underestimate any opponent in the Ligue Champions.

Leko also noted that Carlos Forbs trained on Tuesday, meaning the squad is almost complete. The only absentee remains Joël Ordonez, who is still out with an injury.

Leko highlighted the team’s recent win on Inter’s ground and its effective pressing, describing the upcoming clash as a “trap moment” that could test Lens’s progress under the new coach.