The 2007–08 season for RC Lens was a nightmare campaign that unexpectedly ended their 17-year consecutive run in the French top flight. The club's year began chaotically when iconic manager Guy Roux abruptly resigned just three months into his tenure, forcing former Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin to step in. Despite qualifying for the UEFA Cup by winning the Intertoto Cup early on, Les Sang et Or consistently struggled for form, winning only 9 out of 38 league matches. Ultimately, Lens finished 18th in Ligue 1 with just 40 points, resulting in a shocking relegation to Ligue 2