French newspaper L’Equipe has described Lens as “pathetic” after their unprecedented 9-1 home defeat by Como in the Champions League, while giving five of the French side’s starters a rating of 1/10.
Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, produced a historic result on Wednesday as they claimed the biggest away win in Champions League history. The victory also saw the Italian club set another European record by becoming the first side from Italy to score nine goals in a single match in a European competition.
The scale of Lens’ loss prompted a severe reaction in the French media, with L’Equipe’s front page reflecting the mood surrounding the team. Its assessment of the performance was summed up in a single word: “Ridicules”, translated as “pathetic”.
“Totally apathetic, Lens were humiliated by Como on a scale never before seen for a French club in European competition,” the newspaper said in a brief comment on its front page.
Its match ratings were similarly severe. Five Lens starters received 1/10, while no player from the team was rated higher than 3/10.
Como’s victory strengthened their position in the Champions League standings. The Lariani now have nine points from four matches and are fourth in the table.
The campaign is Como’s first-ever season in Europe’s elite club competition. They had already recorded an eye-catching victory in their previous Champions League match, beating Manchester United 4-1 at home.
The 9-1 result against Lens therefore extended a remarkable start to their debut European campaign, while leaving the French club facing particularly strong criticism from its leading sports newspaper.
