Lens is having a season to remember, and they just sealed it with a vintage Simpsons-style celebration. The French club, already finalists in the Coupe de France and locked in a Ligue 1 title race with PSG, mathematically secured their spot in next season's Champions League league phase this Friday (8). A 1-0 home win over Nantes did the trick, while also confirming their opponent's relegation to Ligue 2. The match-winner came from 16-year-old Portuguese starlet Mezian Soares, making his debut season one for the history books.

This marks Lens' fourth Champions League campaign, and they marked the occasion on social media with a nod to "The Simpsons"—a tradition that started last year when the club introduced new signings as characters from the iconic animated series, which has aired over 800 episodes since 1989. The creative videos, available on their YouTube channel, have become a fan favorite.

With 67 points from 32 matches, Lens sits second in Ligue 1, just three points behind leaders PSG (who have a game in hand). They've built an insurmountable nine-point gap over fourth-place Lille, ensuring a top-three finish and direct entry into the UCL league phase. The drama isn't over yet: PSG visits Brest on Sunday (10), then travels to Lens' Stade Félix-Bollaert on Wednesday (13) for a postponed clash from the 29th round. After that, both teams have just one league game left: PSG away to Paris FC, and Lens on the road against Lyon.

Beyond the league, Lens has its eyes on the Coupe de France final against Nice at the Stade de France. They've won one French title (1997-98) and one Coupe de la Ligue (1998-99), but are chasing their first domestic cup after three runner-up finishes, most recently in 1997-98. With a young star like Soares and a Simpsons-worthy storyline, this is a club on the rise.