RC Lens’ defeat to Como 1907 in the UEFA Champions League (1-9) was one of epic proportions. Les Sang et Or, in the defeat to the Serie A side, became the first team to ever ship nine goals in a home game in the UCL. It was also the joint heaviest defeat in the tournament’s history alongside Real Madrid’s 8-0 win over Malmo in 2015 and Liverpool’s 8-0 win over Besiktas in 2007.

The Lens crowd, known for their fervour and loyalty, had already started clearing out of the Stade Bollaert long before the final whistle, whilst the players were jeered and booed in the closing stages.

Lens’ players ‘shocked’ – Aguilar

“The only word that comes to me is the feeling that I have: humiliation,” said Lens’ manager, Yannick Cahuzac, post-match. The Corsican manager stepped up from his role as an assistant after the club decided to part ways by mutual consent with Dino Toppmoller earlier in the season. “We will have to tell each other things and rediscover a bit of pride for Sunday (the game against Olympique de Marseille).“

Cahuzac added that he would not reveal what was said in the dressing room post-match. The players who fronted up to the media did, however, look deeply affected by the result. “Tonight, we will go back home with a feeling of shame,” said Ruben Aguilar, the scorer of Lens’ only goal on the night. “We were walked over. In the name of the people of Lens, we are sorry […] all of the players are shocked.”

“We were taught a lesson today,” added midfielder Michael Cuisance. “I have no words.”