The 2019-20 campaign delivered a triumphant and dramatic return to the top flight for RC Lens as Les Sang et Or secured a crucial 2nd-place finish in Ligue 2, earning promotion back to Ligue 1 after five difficult seasons in the second tier. The season was prematurely curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning their hard-fought second place and automatic promotion was clinched via a tense points-per-game ratio, which only added to the historic drama of their achievement. Leading the attack was the versatile forward Florian Sotoca, whose 8 league goals (9 overall) proved pivotal in a campaign built on resilience and an unyielding desire to restore the club's top-flight status. It was a vital and memorable year that marked the end of a long wait for the Sang et Or faithful and remains a defining chapter in the club's modern history.