Bruges player mocks Lens's lack of world-class stars ahead of Champions League clash

RC Lens travel to Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday to face Club Bruges in matchday 3 of the Ligue des Champions league phase, already armed with a barb to digest before kick-off.

During the pre-match press conference, Bruges left-back Joaquin Seys made no attempt to hide his lack of enthusiasm at the prospect of facing the northern side. “When you play in the Champions League, you want to face the greatest players in the world,” he said in comments relayed by La Voix du Nord. “It’s a shame there aren’t world-class players across from us.” The Belgian tempered his remarks by adding that he expected “a difficult match” against “very good players”.

Nevertheless, it will be hard to erase the first part of his outburst, which should logically serve as fuel for Yannick Cahuzac’s men. Lens approach this trip with an even record: a victory in their opening game, followed by a defeat on the pitch at Sporting (0-2). A result that makes this third match decisive to avoid falling behind the pack.

Bruges have the same record of one win and one loss, but the opponents they have faced are of a different calibre. The Belgians first fell at home to Aston Villa (2-3) despite a comeback attempt until the end, before pulling off one of the day’s upsets by winning at Giuseppe Meazza against Inter Milan (3-4) on 13 October. A performance that illustrates the attacking potential of a team capable of toppling Europe’s giants on their own ground.

Lens will therefore have to contend with the pressure of a statement to silence and the reality of an opponent in form at home. The Sang and Or’s response will be read on the scoreboard.