RC Lens Gears Up for Historic Coupe de France Final Against Nice

RC Lens is preparing to face Nice in the Coupe de France final on Friday night, aiming to clinch their first-ever title in this prestigious competition. This final marks the club's fourth appearance since previous finals in 1948, 1975, and 1998. Captain Florian Sotoca shared his confidence and pride, emphasizing the strong team spirit and immense local enthusiasm. Lens recently finished second in Ligue 1, securing a spot in the Champions League, a testament to their extraordinary season. Sotoca, who has been with the club since 2019, expressed a calm outlook, saying, "I don't really feel any stress for this final. There's an enormous enthusiasm... All the French champions have won the Cup except RC Lens. It's definitely a very important moment for us." He also highlighted the special atmosphere at their home ground, Bollaert, and his deep attachment to the club in its 120th anniversary year.

Former RC Lens president Gervais Martel, who led the club from 1988 to 2017 and won Ligue 1 in 1998 and the League Cup in 1999, has long awaited this moment, having never won the Coupe de France himself. Reflecting on past finals and the club's progress, Martel praised current president Joseph Oughourlian and coach Pierre Sage for their leadership and investment, which have propelled Lens to new heights. He described the upcoming final as a historic opportunity for the club to achieve what has long eluded them, stating, "It's an anomaly for a club of Lens's stature not to have won the Coupe de France." Martel's optimism is shared widely as the club and its supporters look forward to a potential landmark victory.