Crystal Palace 0-3 RC Lens | International Club Friendly

RC Lens produced a dominant display to defeat Crystal Palace 3-0 in an international club friendly on July 29, 2026. The match, played behind closed doors as part of pre-season preparations, saw the Ligue 1 side take control from the opening whistle and never look back.

Match Overview

Lens opened the scoring early through a well-worked set piece, with defender Facundo Medina heading home from a corner in the 12th minute. Crystal Palace struggled to find rhythm in the first half, and Lens doubled their lead just before the break when winger Florian Sotoca finished a counter‑attack with a clinical low drive.

The second half saw Palace push forward in search of a lifeline, but Lens remained dangerous on the break. Substitute striker Elye Wahi sealed the victory in the 78th minute, slotting home after a defensive mix‑up in the Palace backline. The 3‑0 scoreline reflected Lens’s superior sharpness and organisation at this stage of pre‑season.

Key Performances

• Florian Sotoca (Lens): A constant threat on the right flank, scoring one and assisting another.
• Jean‑Philippe Mateta (Palace): Worked hard but lacked service; Palace’s best chance came from his header that sailed just over the bar.

What It Means

For Crystal Palace, the result is a reminder of the work needed before the Premier League season begins. For RC Lens, this comprehensive win builds momentum ahead of their Ligue 1 campaign, showcasing their ability to compete against English opposition.