RC Lens
French football team.
RC Lens is a professional football club based in the northern French city of Lens. Known as "Les Sang et Or" (The Blood and Gold), the club's colors are red and gold, reflecting its vibrant identity. Founded in 1906, RC Lens has a rich history within French football, having established itself as one of the prominent teams in Ligue 1, France's top tier of football. The club plays its home matches at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, which has a capacity of approximately 38,223 spectators. This stadium is renowned for its passionate atmosphere and has been the club's home since 1933.
Throughout its history, RC Lens has experienced various degrees of success, including winning the Ligue 1 title in 1998. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the club and solidified its place in French football history. Additionally, RC Lens has claimed the Coupe de France trophy twice, first in 1999 and again in 2000, showcasing its capability to compete at high levels in domestic cup competitions. The club also enjoyed success in European competitions, notably reaching the UEFA Champions League group stage on several occasions.
The most notable period in RC Lens's history came during the late 1990s when under the management of Daniel Leclercq, the team achieved remarkable feats, including their league title win. This era is often remembered fondly by fans as a golden age for the club. The team's passionate supporters, known as "Les Sang et Or," are known for creating an electric atmosphere during matches, making Stade Bollaert-Delelis one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams.
RC Lens has had its share of rivalries, with matches against Lille OSC being particularly intense due to geographical proximity. This rivalry is known as the "Derby du Nord" and is characterized by fierce competition and passionate displays from both sets of fans. Over the years, RC Lens has also faced off against other regional rivals like Valenciennes FC and Amiens SC, further enriching its competitive spirit.
In recent years, RC Lens has made significant strides back to prominence in Ligue 1. After spending time in lower divisions, the club returned to the top flight in 2020 and has since aimed to establish itself among France's elite clubs once again.