Lens have been drawn against Freiburg in the Europa League knockout play-off round.
Les Sang & Or continue their European journey after finishing third in Group B of the Champions League, behind Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven. Franck Haise’s side drew against Sevilla in their opening game and surprised Arsenal at home with a win (2-1). However, a loss against PSV and a capitulation against Arsenal (6-0) saw their chances of continuation in the Champions League fall away. Yet, Lens secured a spot in the Europa League play-off round with a win last week against La Liga outfit and Europa League veterans Sevilla (2-1).
They will face Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, who finished second in Group A of the Europa League behind Premier League side West Ham United. The Germans won four matches but lost twice, which saw them secure a play-off round spot.
The Europa League play-off knockout round involves the eight runners up from the Europa League group stage against the eight third-placed teams in the Champions League group stage. The winners of these two-legged matches will head to the Europa League round of 16 in March, where they’ll join the eight group winners.
GFFN | George Boxall
