Lens vs Sporting CP: Champions League Preview & Injuries

Lens ends winless run with victory over Paulo Fonseca's Lyon ahead of Sporting clash Lens heads into Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Sporting CP on the back oftheir first Ligue 1 win since August, after defeating Olympique Lyonnais 2-1 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Friday. The result ended a four-match winless streak for the northern French club and markedthe first defeat of the season for Paulo Fonseca's Lyon, who had arrived in second place with an unbeaten record.

Match gives Lens momentum Florian Sotoca opened the scoring in the 36th minute, finishing from an impressive pass by Florian Thauvin. The home side doubled their advantage when Matthieu Udol headed in from a Thauvin cross in the 76th minute.

Udol turned from hero to villain seven minutes later, receiving a straight red card for a reckless challenge. Lyon pulled one back immediately through Khalis Merah, but the numerical disadvantage did not prevent Lens from holding on for all three points.

The victory lifts Lens toseventh place in the Ligue 1 table, while Lyon missed the chance to put pressure on leaders AS Monaco. Yannick Cahuzac's debut success Friday's match was the first in charge fornew Lens coach Yannick Cahuzac, who replaced Dino Toppmoller.

The win against a side that had yet to taste defeat this season provides a confidence boost ahead of Sporting's visit. Lens prevailed with a 3-4-3 formation that nullified Lyon's attacking threats, holding them to just two shots on target.

Thauvin, rated Man of the Match with a Sofascore rating of 9, was instrumental in both goals. Injury concerns for Lens Sporting, under coach Rui Borges, will face a Lens side withsignificant injury problems.

Defender Abdallah Sima is confirmed out, while Jean-Clair Todibo, Jonathan Gradit, and Thorgan Hazard face late fitness tests. Polish defender Maik Nawrocki ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will not return until spring 2027.

Champions League context Both teams enter Tuesday's match on three points. Lens won their opening Champions League fixture 3-2 away to Slavia Prague, with stoppage-time goals from Thauvin and Ruben Aguilar securing the victory.

Sporting also started strongly,beating Galatasaray 3-1 in Lisbon. The Portuguese side has scored 11 goals in their last five matches across all competitions.