Racing Lens eliminated in the Conference League play-off against Panathinaikos

After Olympique de Marseille in August 2023, it is Racing Lens’ turn to be caught by Greek side Panathinaikos in the European Cup play-off. Will Still’s players lost in Athens on Thursday 29 August in the return leg by 2-0. Despite their 2-1 victory in the first leg at the Stade Bollaert, they are eliminated and will not participate in the Conference League.

The Lensois could have opened the scoring early in the match, but Sotoca saw his penalty repelled by Dragowski (15^my). Upon returning from the locker room, the Greeks opened the scoring through Pellistri (62′).^my) before former Lyon player Tetê offered Panathinaikos qualification with a lightning counterattack (85^my).

Although France had managed to qualify four clubs for the prestigious Champions League – Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco, Stade Brestois and Lille Olympique Sporting Club (LOSC) – and two clubs for the Europa League – Nice and Lyon – there will be no representatives from Ligue 1 in this Conference League.