The 2012-13 campaign was a season of turbulent consolidation for RC Lens as Les Sang et Or finished 12th in Ligue 2. Leading the charge were the impressive attacking duo, Yoann Touzghar and midfielder Pierrick Valdivia, whose combined 22 goals proved vital in a campaign built on a determined, mid-season turnaround under new manager Éric Sikora. It was a transitional year that saw the club reach the Coupe de France Quarter-Finals and remains a definitive chapter of rebuilding in their push for a return to the top flight.