Lens claimed their maiden French Super Cup title on Sunday, overcoming a ten-man disadvantage to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0. The victory denied PSG a second trophy in just five days, following the Parisians’ recent UEFA Super Cup success against Aston Villa.
The match, held at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis, marked the debut for new Lens coach Dino Toppmoeller. The club, which finished as Ligue 1 runners-up last season, earned their spot in this final by securing their first-ever French Cup title with a 3-1 win over Nice in May under former manager Pierre Sage.
PSG controlled much of the possession early on but struggled to break down the Lens defense. The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute when the visitors failed to clear their lines, allowing Florian Thauvin to slot home at the back post from a cross-shot by Matthieu Udol. Despite Lens losing Kyllian Antonio to a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche just six minutes before halftime, PSG could not capitalize. Desire Doue came closest for the visitors, hitting the crossbar from a tight angle.
PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed frustration after the final whistle. “I think we deserved more,” he stated, while acknowledging the opposition’s performance. “We played a very good match, but we didn’t have the luck we needed. I have to congratulate Lens—they won, and they played very well, with their usual intensity.”
The second half saw Lens continue to threaten on the counter-attack, with Thauvin narrowly missing a second goal. PSG’s efforts to equalize were hampered by a disciplined Lens backline and goalkeeper Robin Risser, who comfortably handled attempts from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and substitute Ousmane Dembele. Nuno Mendes also went close with a long-range effort that dipped just over the bar.
Discipline issues plagued the final minutes, as PSG were also reduced to ten men. Nuno Mendes was shown a straight red card three minutes from time for an off-the-ball incident involving an elbow to the face of Lens wing-back Michal Skoras. This dismissal rules the Portuguese defender out of PSG’s upcoming Ligue 1 opener against Rennes.
Luis Enrique’s squad selection for the match included three changes from the Super Cup win, notably featuring Lucas Digne’s second debut for the club following his transfer from Aston Villa. However, Bradley Barcola was absent from the squad amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Liverpool.
Despite already boasting a squad that has secured five consecutive Ligue 1 titles and two straight Champions League trophies, PSG invested heavily this summer. The additions of Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, and Mika Godts are intended to provide a fresh tactical edge. “Strengthening the squad does not mean we lack confidence in the current players,” Enrique explained. “Bringing in new players provides a different energy and mentality.”
PSG now shift their focus to the start of their domestic campaign. They remain heavy favorites to secure a record-extending 15th Ligue 1 title, with their defense beginning at home against Rennes next Sunday. The match will serve as a key test for how Enrique manages his deep, top-heavy roster throughout the season. The report also notes that as Mendes was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skoras in the face off the ball, pSG were reduced to 10 men themselves with three minutes remaining. The report also notes that though, and Thauvin flashed a strike wide as Lens continued to threaten on the counter, the European champions continued to labour after the restart. The report also notes that with the latter drawing another simple save from Risser, luis Enrique also brought on Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele off the bench.
