RC Lens fills Avion stadium as Gradit returns during Italian pre‑season

The French football club RC Lens has intensified its presence at the Stade François‑Blin in Avion, drawing up to 5,000 supporters for a recent match. The renewed stadium‑use agreement between the municipality and the club has turned match days into lively events for local residents and businesses, with both the men’s side and the women’s first‑division team using the venue for games and training.

Meanwhile, Lens travelled to Italy for its pre‑season camp, taking part in the second edition of the Como Cup. Placed in Group A, the team faced Famalicão and Crystal Palace in two 45‑minute fixtures on 28 July. A notable development was the return of central defender Jonathan Gradit, who had been sidelined since November after a tibia‑fibula fracture. Coach Dino Toppmöller confirmed Gradit’s participation, highlighting his importance for the squad as the club prepares for the upcoming season.