Zhipan Sport

Late Drama as Lens Fight Back to Beat 10-Man Slavia Prague

Sep 11, 06:07 AM

Lens scored twice in stoppage time to come from behind twice and beat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2 at the Fortuna Arena.

In a thrilling encounter at the Fortuna Arena, Lens produced a stunning stoppage-time comeback to defeat 10-man Slavia Prague 3-2, twice recovering from a losing position to snatch all three points in dramatic fashion. The match, filled with twists, a red card, and late heroics, will go down as one of the most memorable European nights of the season. Slavia started brightly in front of their home crowd, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to unsettle the Lens defense. Their early dominance paid off when a well-worked move down the flank ended with a clinical finish inside the box, sending the home supporters into raptures and leaving Lens to chase the game. Lens, however, refused to panic. They gradually settled into the match, stringing together passes in midfield and probing for openings. Their patience was rewarded midway through the first half when a swift counter-attack sliced open the Slavia defense, and the forward coolly slotted the ball into the far corner to level the score. The equalizer lifted the visitors, who began to dictate the tempo and create several promising chances. The second half brought a dramatic turn of events. Slavia were reduced to 10 men when a defender received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. With a numerical advantage, Lens looked poised to take control. Yet, against the run of play, the hosts restored their lead from a set piece, as a center-back rose highest to head home. The Fortuna Arena erupted, celebrating a remarkable lead despite being a man down. From that point on, Lens laid siege to the Slavia goal. With an extra man, they dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute and compact defense. As time ticked away, the fourth official signaled six minutes of added time, offering Lens a final lifeline. And then the miracle unfolded. In stoppage time, Lens equalized for the second time when a corner kick caused chaos in the box, and a substitute striker poked the ball home from close range. Before Slavia could recover, Lens struck again. A winger cut inside from the flank and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner to make it 3-2. In the space of two minutes, Lens had completed an astonishing turnaround. The stadium fell silent, while the visiting players and fans erupted in wild celebration. This victory is hugely significant for Lens, boosting their hopes of advancing from the group and showcasing their never-say-die spirit. Slavia, despite the defeat, earned respect for their valiant display with 10 men, twice taking the lead. It was a night that encapsulated the unpredictable beauty of football.