RC Lens return to Bollaert as heroes after first Coupe de France win | OneFootball

RC Lens won the first Coupe de France in their 120-year history on Friday, defeating Nice 3-1 at the Stade de France. The squad returned overnight to celebrate with supporters at Bollaert.

According to Le Progres, thousands welcomed the team after 4am. At 4.10am owner Joseph Oughourlian walked onto the pitch holding the silver trophy.

Amid thick smoke and pyrotechnic flames, players headed straight for the Marek stand, home of the kop and ultras. Some fans brushed the cup as it passed. A near half-hour lap of honour ended with a lengthy conga.

Of the 38,000 who had watched the final on six giant screens at the stadium, only a few thousand remained by dawn, yet the noise still carried. One supporter, Bruno, 58, said they had waited so long to see the team with the cup.

Coach Pierre Sage said the team were proud to bring smiles in a region that suffers and that such moments are priceless. Forward Wesley Saïd felt the supporters deserved it and that the trophy also belonged to them.

Defender Malang Sarr called it the people’s cup and spoke of long-awaited release for club and fans. Florian Thauvin, who opened the scoring in the final, said he wanted to repay the trust shown since last summer.

Celebrations were set to continue on Saturday with an open-top bus parade from Bollaert to the city hall in the afternoon.

Source: Le Progres