Sevilla's Old Guard Unable to See through Lens

Sevilla went with opposite approach to Salzberg. With Sergio Ramos and Jesus Navas both featuring for Sevilla tonight against Lens, it was the first time a team have field two outfield players age 37+ in a Champions League game since Manchester United did so in December 2012 (Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs vs CFR Cluj).

However, despite all that experience and all the medals they have between them, Jose Luis Mendilibar's  team were unable to beat their French opponents at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

It started so well enough for the UEFA Europa League holder's, with Lucas Ocampos giving them the lead in the ninth minutes with a flicked header past Brice Samba. Since Mendilibar took charge if Sevilla in march, only Youssef En-Nesyri ( nine) has been directly involved in more goals than Ocampos in all competitions (six-four goals and two assist). 

Lens were level soon after though as Angelo Fulgini smashed in a superb free-kick into the top-right corner of the net. It was the third freekick scored in the Champions League this season in just 16 games, already equalizing the total across the competition in the whole of 2022-23 (three in 125 games).

Sevilla weren't able to get back in front, and the game ended all square. They have now only won two of the last seven Champions League Games in which they have scored first. Lens Should probably have won it themselves, having twice as many shots as the home side did (10-50 in the second half. 


 

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