RCLens is preparing to face LOSC this Friday, October 30 at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, but the visitors' parking lot will remain empty, reminiscent of a memorable victory in 2022. This situation, which recalls the match where Racing won 2-1 without fans, is the result of a decision by the Lensois club not to sell tickets after the incidents that occurred during recent trips.
In April 2022, RCLens triumphed 2-1 on the LOSC pitch, while supporters were prohibited from access by a prefectural decree. The match started early, with PrzemysławFrankowski opening the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by a double from Arnaud Kalimuendo in the 37th minute. Despite a reduction in the score by Xeka just before the break, the Sang et Or held on until the final whistle. This victory was all the more significant as it marked Racing's first victory in Lille since 2003 and provided a boost ahead of the Northern derby.
Four years later, the context is different, but the coincidence remains striking. The visitor parking lot will be empty again, not because of a prefectural decree, but because the club has chosen not to sell tickets. This decision aims to avoid the incidents which have marked the club's recent travels. This Friday's match will therefore be an opportunity to see if Racing can reproduce its historic success in a stadium deprived of Lensois supporters.
The Lensois will therefore have to rely on their performance on the pitch to try to bring down their rival. The match could be a key moment before the Northern derby, and supporters could see it as a twist of fate, as in the 2022 victory. The result will depend on the ability of the Sang et Or to transform this situation into another coup, while avoiding the incidents which led to the decision not to market tickets. The Northern derby therefore remains to be watched, with the hope that Racing can take advantage of this historic opportunity to strengthen its position in Ligue1.