Florian Sotoca Scores on First Lens Start of Season Against Lyon

RC Lens took the lead against Olympique Lyonnais through Florian Sotoca, whose first-half finish showcased his attacking quality during his first start of the season. The 35-year-old striker scored in the Ligue 1 encounter on Friday evening after receiving an aerial pass from Florian Thauvin, according to French sports newspaper L'Équipe. Sotoca's selection marked a change in his role at Lens after limited playing time earlier in the campaign.

Yannick Cahuzac, his former teammate who has since become the team's coach, handed him his first starting opportunity of the season against Lyon. The goal came from a technically accomplished sequence inside the penalty area. Thauvin picked out Sotoca with a ball played through the air, allowing the striker to control it with his chest while positioned with his back to goal before turning and shooting.

The finish gave Lens an advantage against Lyon and highlighted Sotoca's ability to make an impact despite his reduced involvement in the opening weeks of the season. L'Équipe described the sequence as a high-quality piece of attacking play.

Before the match, Sotoca had accumulated only 21 minutes of Ligue 1 action under Dino Toppmöller, according to L'Équipe. His limited appearances made the starting assignment a significant opportunity to demonstrate his readiness when called upon. The match also brought Sotoca face to face with Lyon, providing an opportunity to make an impression against the club in a fixture that opened the sixth round of Ligue 1. His goal came during the first half at Lens, where Thauvin supplied the decisive pass.

Cahuzac's decision to select Sotoca placed the experienced forward in the starting lineup for the first time that season. The striker responded by scoring the opening goal against Lyon, using his chest control and turning finish to convert Thauvin's delivery.