Loïs Openda injured, the Red Devils leave the pitch

In the tunnel of the Bollaert stadium, Joseph Oughourlian says to Loïs Openda “I don’t wish you a good match”, before the young RC Lyon striker suffers a violent collision and leaves the pitch in tears.

Return and past against Lens

After the four Nations League matches, 2,673 players returned to their clubs, and the Red Devils found playing time this weekend, including Loïs Openda, back from a three‑week call‑up. The Belgian, a starter at RC Lyon, had scored his first goal at the end of August, looking to regain confidence after difficult months at Juventus.

Openda knew RC Lens well, a club where he shone four years ago by scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1. Tonight, he returned to Bollaert to face his former opponent, hoping to replicate that success.

Red Devil sees Openda in tears after dramatic injury in Lens

Injury and consequences

An injury on the Lens pitch quickly changed the course of the match: only one successful dribble out of three, a single shot outside the box, and Florian Sotoca’s goal in the first half. Shortly before game time, Openda was struck by Jonathan Gradit, suffering a blow that forced him to leave the game immediately. He was taken away in tears to the dressing room, unable to set foot on the ground again.

Social media filled with messages of support, #RCLOL and the official Ligue 1 account wishing a speedy recovery to Loïs Openda. A wave of encouragement also spread among Belgian fans, recalling the player’s key role in the national team.

Loïs Openda leaves the pitch on crutches, Belgium worries

This injury complicates RC Lyon’s situation, which relied on Openda to revive its attack and on Belgium to strengthen its offensive options. The Belgian manager will have to reassess his plans for the upcoming Nations matches, while the French club will need to look for offensive alternatives.