A week before the men, Lilloises and Lensoises will face each other, this Sunday (3 p.m.), on the lawn of the Villeneuve-d’Ascq Stadium, for the first round of the regional derby. After the draw against promoted Saint-Malo, LOSC already knows it is under pressure before receiving Lens. But displays a lot of serenity.
« We are confident despite last week’s poor result. We know that the derby is going to be a totally different match. This weekend, we will be up to it. It’s a match that will mainly be played out in duels, analyzes Gwenaëlle Devleesschauwer, defender of the Mastiffs. The team with the most desire and the most determination will win this match.. »
Facing Lensoises who have also been at the top of the ranking since the start of the season and who remain on a series of three consecutive victories, the meeting promises to be breathtaking. “ We approach the match in a very calm manner because we have a comfortable place, we are on a good dynamic, agrees Sarah M’Barek, Racing coach. We gained a lot of confidence. »
“Regional supremacy is at stake”
There are, of course, three points to be won for these two teams who wish to remain neck and neck with the Marseille leader, three points in front. But there are also the hearts of supporters to touch and regional pride to stir. “ These are matches that we like to play and that we look forward to during the season. They allow us to confront our rivals. Regional supremacy is at stake, launches the Lensoise coach. It’s a very important match for the club and, above all, for the supporters. »
And the players are well aware of this. During the 2022-2023 season, when the two teams faced each other in the D2 championship before LOSC joined the national elite, the Mastiffs won twice (6-1 and 0-1). ). “ It’s a special match where emotions are heightened and where we want to surpass ourselves even more than usual, concludes the Sang et Or coach. In the way of approaching things, in the combativeness, we are asked to do more than usual. »
Lille (2e) – LENS (3e), this Sunday, at 3 p.m., at the Villeneuve-d’Ascq Stadium.
