Lens travel to the Fortuna Arena in Prague on Thursday to face Slavia Prague in the opening League Phase fixture of the 2026-27 Champions League. It’s only the second-ever meeting between these two clubs — their last came way back in 1995-96, when Slavia edged a UEFA Cup tie 1-0 on aggregate.
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Slavia arrive full of confidence, having retained the Czech First League title last season with just one defeat in 30 matches. Under Jindrich Trpisovsky, they’re unbeaten in seven league games this term and thumped Brno 4-0 last weekend. Their European record, though, tells a different story — they’re winless in 19 straight Champions League matches, a drought stretching back to 2007.
Lens, now managed by Dino Toppmoller after Pierre Sage’s departure, enter off the back of a strong domestic campaign that saw them finish Ligue 1 runners-up and lift the Coupe de France. But their away form in Europe is a genuine concern: no wins in 13 away Champions League matches since 2005.
Slavia Prague vs Lens: Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Slavia Prague vs Lens |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – League Phase, Matchday 1 |
| Date & Time | Thursday, September 10, 2026 – 8:00 PM |
| Venue | Fortuna Arena, Prague |
| Slavia Form | W-W-D-D-W-W |
| Lens Form | W-W-L-L |
| Predicted Score | Slavia Prague 2-2 Lens |
Slavia Prague vs Lens: Key Team News
Slavia will be without Lukas Provod (ankle) and David Zima (concussion), while Tomas Holes remains sidelined. Mojmir Chytil, who has scored all four of his goals at home this season, is pushing for a recall up front.
Lens are hit harder, missing Maik Nawrocki, Jonathan Gradit, Samson Baidoo, Nidal Celik, and Jhoanner Chavez to injury. Captain Florian Thauvin, with four goals in four games, leads the charge alongside on-loan signing Jean-Clair Todibo, who could make his debut.
Possible Lineups:
- Slavia Prague: Markovic; Chaloupek, N’Guessan, Zima; Isife, Sadilek, Nowak, Jurasek; Ayaosi, Chytil, Sturm
- Lens: Risser; Todibo, Ganiou, Antonio; Aguilar, Haidara, Cuisance, Skoras; Thauvin, Hazard; Sima
Prediction
With Slavia averaging three goals a game domestically and Lens rarely involved in goalless affairs in Europe, expect goals at both ends. A hard-fought 2-2 draw looks the likely outcome.
For the complete Champions League format explainer, visit the official UEFA Champions League page. For more football previews and sports coverage, check out TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: What time does Slavia Prague vs Lens kick off?
The match kicks off at 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
Q: Have Slavia Prague and Lens met before?
Yes, just once — in the 1995-96 UEFA Cup, where Slavia won 1-0 on aggregate.
