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Lens edges past Panathinaikos in tense and controversial match
Lens, France – Lens defeated Panathinaikos 2-1 in a UEFA Europa Conference League match that was marked by the expulsion of a French player and controversial refereeing decisions.
The match began with an early goal from Przemysław Frankowski for Lens in the 4th minute. The French side dominated the first half and appeared superior, but a goal from Fotis Ioannidis in the 53rd minute tied the game and gave Panathinaikos hope. However, Lens regained control of the match and scored the winning goal with a strike from Wissam Ben Yedder in the 34th minute.
The game was marred by the red card given to Facundo Medina of Lens in the 20th minute, for two yellow cards. Panathinaikos took advantage of the French side’s numerical disadvantage in the second half, but they couldn’t find the equalizer.
Lens had greater ball control (36% possession), but Panathinaikos created more scoring opportunities (11 shots, 3 on target). Both teams were aggressive on the field, committing a total of 29 fouls.
Lens proved more decisive in the finishing, with 6 shots on target, while Panathinaikos only managed 3. The victory puts Lens in a favorable position to advance to the next round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
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Substitutions lens: at minute 26 A. Khusanov came in and D. Pereira da Costa went out., at minute 69 R. Labeau Lascary came in and W. Said went out., at minute 90 N. Mendy came in and A. Thomasson went out., at minute 90 Jhoanner Chavez came in and D. Machado went out.
Substitutions panathinaikos: at minute 67 F. Pellistri came in and Tete went out., at minute 67 G. Vagiannidis came in and G. Kotsiras went out., at minute 80 D. Limnios came in and W. Arao went out., at minute 80 N. Maksimovic came in and F. Djuricic went out., at minute 85 A. Jeremejeff came in and A. Gnezda Cerin went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Lens
Titulares:
Panathinaikos
Titulares:
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