Champions League Group B Scenarios: Lens vs Arsenal – What’s at Stake for the Blood and Gold

2023-11-29 20:08:37

Lens travels to Arsenal during this 5th day of the Champions League. A shock which might reinforce or, on the contrary, annihilate the European ambitions of the Blood and Gold.

PSV Eindhoven’s last minute victory on Sevilla FC had the merit of clarifying the situation in this Champions League group B. Depending on tonight’s result between Lens and Arsenal, the fate of the Sang et Or might be very different. Scenario by scenario, here is what awaits the Artésiens.

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LENS BAT ARSENAL

A major feat from the Lensois would place them in third place in this group B with 8 points, tied with PSV (which however benefits from the particular goal difference), one point behind the Gunners (9). Sevilla (2) would bring up the rear and be eliminated from all European competitions. First consequence: Lens would be assured of at least being transferred to the Europa League, whatever the outcome of its last match once morest Sevilla.

This configuration would have the advantage of placing the Lensois in a rather enviable situation for qualification before the last day since their two opponents are called upon to face each other. A victory at Bollaert once morest the Andalusians would therefore qualify the Sang et Or for the eighth in any case. In the event of a draw between PSV and Arsenal, the Lensois would even finish first in group B.

If Lens-Sevilla ended in a draw, the Artésiens might still hope to join the elite of the 16 best European teams provided that PSV-Arsenal did not end in a draw. They would then necessarily be second.

On the other hand, the Sang et Or would be eliminated from the Champions League in the event of a home defeat once morest Sevilla, regardless of the result of the other meeting.

LENS AND ARSENAL DRAW

A draw between Sang et Or and Gunners would place the Lensois in third place in group B. Arsenal would be in the lead (10) ahead of PSV (8), Lens (6) and Sevilla (2), which would be eliminated from all competitions European. As in the previous scenario, Lens would then have the assurance of playing at least the Europa League play-offs.

But if they wanted to aim higher and reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, the Lensois would absolutely have to beat Sevilla and hope for a defeat for PSV Eindhoven once morest Arsenal, otherwise they would necessarily finish third in this group.

Note that in this configuration, the Sang et Or might no longer aim for first place in the group.

LENS LOSES AT ARSENAL

This scenario would place Arsenal very far at the top of this group B with 12 points. PSV Eindhoven (8), Lens (5) and Sevilla (2) would follow. With a particularly unfavorable goal difference once morest PSV, the Sang et Or might no longer overtake the Dutch and would therefore be eliminated from this Champions League before even playing once morest Sevilla.

However, this last match would not be without stakes since we would be competing for third place, with a consolation prize in the Europa League play-offs at stake. In this game, Lens would be in a favorable tie since a draw would be enough for them to validate their transfer to the C3. But be careful: a defeat once morest Seville would put a definitive end to the Artésiens’ European season.

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