Lens emerged victorious in their final pre-season match against Leicester City, with a 3-0 win in northern France. Kevin Danso and Angelo Fulgini scored within 10 minutes at the start of the second half, securing the win for Lens. Despite Patson Daka being forced off due to injury in the first half, most of the starting XI got valuable playing time ahead of the new season.
The match saw former City midfielder Papy Mendy lining up for Lens, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season. Leicester’s new signings Caleb Okoli and Bobby De Cordova-Reid also featured in the starting lineup. The team is shaping up well, with the recent loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte adding depth to the squad.
The first half was a balanced affair, with Lens dominating the attacking play but failing to break the deadlock. City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen made some key saves to keep the scores level. Daka and Saïd had chances for their respective teams, but the first half ended goalless.
Lens came out strong in the second half, with Danso and Fulgini scoring quick goals to put them ahead. Despite efforts from Leicester to get back into the game, Lens remained in control. The match ended 3-0 in favor of the French side, with Cooper’s men heading back to the UK for further training ahead of the new season.
The pre-season friendly provided valuable playing time for both teams and allowed the managers to assess their squads before the start of the new campaign. While Lens will be pleased with the victory, Leicester will look to regroup and work on areas that need improvement. With the opening day of the season approaching, both teams will be focused on hitting the ground running and securing positive results in the upcoming matches.