Lens secured a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee des Champions on Sunday, denying the French champions a second trophy in less than a week. Florian Thauvin provided the decisive moment in the 32nd minute, slotting home at the back post after PSG failed to clear a cross-shot from Matthieu Udol. This win marks a successful start for new Lens head coach Dino Toppmoeller, building on the club’s inaugural French Cup triumph achieved under former manager Pierre Sage last May.
The match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis proved difficult for Luis Enrique’s side, who arrived following their UEFA Super Cup victory against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Despite dominating early possession, PSG struggled to convert their control into meaningful opportunities. Goalkeeper Robin Risser was rarely troubled, making a routine save from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the visitors’ brightest spell of the opening half.
The dynamic of the game shifted significantly before the interval when Lens player Kyllian Antonio was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche. PSG attempted to capitalize on the numerical advantage, but Desire Doue saw his effort from a narrow angle strike the crossbar. Even after the restart, the European champions failed to find their rhythm, with Thauvin nearly extending the lead for the hosts on the counter-attack.
Luis Enrique looked to his bench to spark a comeback, introducing Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele, though the latter’s attempt was comfortably gathered by Risser. PSG’s frustrations eventually boiled over in the closing stages. With only three minutes of regulation time remaining, Nuno Mendes was issued a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving an elbow to the face of Lens wing-back Michal Skoras.
The defeat leaves PSG looking ahead to their Ligue 1 title defense, which begins at home against Rennes in one week. The team will be forced to navigate that opening fixture without Mendes due to his late dismissal. For the match, Luis Enrique had opted for a strong lineup, including a second debut for left-back Lucas Digne following his return from Aston Villa, while Bradley Barcola remained absent from the squad amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Liverpool.
Lens, who finished as runners-up to PSG in the league last season, demonstrated resilience throughout the contest. Their ability to hold onto the lead despite being reduced to 10 men highlights the tactical discipline instilled by Toppmoeller. The result serves as a significant statement for the club as they prepare for the upcoming domestic campaign. The report also notes that lens, runners-up in Ligue 1 behind PSG last season, qualified for this match by winning their first ever French Cup with a 3-1 final win over Nice.
Comments