Speaking after RC Lens’ 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League, Adrien Thomasson (29) described his equalising goal at “the most symbolic of his career.”
Thomasson’s error allowed Arsenal to open the scoring through Gabriel Jesus, however, just minutes later, he made up for it. After Deiver Machado intercepted, he fed Elye Wahi, whose acrobatic flick landed at the feet of Thomasson. The former RC Strasbourg Alsace player made no mistake with the finish, curling past David Raya.
Wahi then netted the winner in the second half in what was a historic and special night at the Stade Bollaert. Lens are the first French team in Champions League history to beat Arsenal at home. Speaking in the mixed zone post-match, Thomasson reflected on his goal, as well as the result, which lifts Lens above Arsenal and into top spot in Group B.
“I felt good at the start of the match, but I was clearly at fault for Jesus’ goal. It was difficult for a few moments, but I had to quickly switch because in these instances, either you bounce back or you sink. I managed to keep things in perspective for my goal, where I felt in the zone, and it gave me and the team a lot of confidence. It’s without doubt the most symbolic goal of my career,” said Thomasson in an interview, transcribed by L’Équipe.
The Frenchman added that Lens’ victory was “deserved.” Les Sang et Or return to Ligue 1 action when they face local rivals Lille OSC on Sunday.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
