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Lens boss Francis Gillot was full of praise for his team after their dramatic UEFA Cup win over Sampdoria.
Les Sang et Or became the fifth French club to qualify for the last 32 when Issam Jemaa scored late on to seal a 2-1 win over the Serie A club.
With Hertha Berlin drawing 0-0 against Steaua Bucharest, only a victory would have done for Lens.
“It was quite a show,” said a relieved Gillot. “It’s one of the first times we’ve scored late on and it shows that we have physical reserves.
"When you think we are in December, playing games every three days, it shows the strength of character of this team.”
Olivier Thomert had put the home side in front on 10 minutes, only for Francesco Flachi to level matters shortly after.
“We scored early but then we conceded a goal we didn’t deserve to concede,” the Coach continued.
“We lost the plot in the next 10 minutes and started clearing the ball anywhere we could. But I always believed. The moment they struck the post was a sign that it could be our night.
“In the second half we turned up the pressure and they cracked. Getting an Italian team to crack is good going,” he added.
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