Lens will meet Crystal Palace on July 28 in the Como Cup, giving new Palace boss Pierre Sage his first showdown since leaving the Racing. The 45‑minute friendly pits the English side against his former French club, currently 2nd in Ligue 1 with 70 points (22 wins, 4 draws, 8 losses) after 34 games.

Why does this meeting stir so many emotions?

Sage departed RC Lens after a historic season : 2nd place and the club’s first Coupe de France in 120 years. Supporters recall his attacking style that produced 66 goals scored and 35 conceded, a +31 goal difference. The abrupt exit left a mark, yet gratitude messages also poured in, as he noted in L’Équipe.

What are the stakes for the Racing?

Lens arrives in form, on a four‑match winning run (WWWWL) and fresh from a 3‑1 victory over Nice on May 22 2026. Facing a Premier League side, even in a friendly, tests squad depth, especially with defender Nidal Čelik still sidelined. Coach Franck Haise can gauge his team's resilience before the league resumes.

How is Crystal Palace preparing?

Pierre Sage, 47, signed with the Eagles last month after rescuing Lyon in 2023‑2024. He sees this game as a chance to showcase his project in England while paying tribute to his Lens spell. The 45‑minute format forces both teams to be sharp, likely highlighting Palace’s young talents.

What result might we expect?

Both clubs have much to gain : Lens aims to cement its place in the title race, 6 points behind leaders Paris Saint‑Germain, while Palace seeks to cement its identity under Sage. A tight scoreline, perhaps 1‑1, seems realistic, but Lens’s prolific attackers could tip the balance.

The match takes place on the shores of Lake Como, alongside Famalicão, Villarreal, AlUla SC and local side Como. It’s a rare chance to see a manager face his former club in an Italian setting, mixing nostalgia with sporting ambition.