PSG beaten by Lens in French Champions’ Trophy
Lens Stun PSG in French Champions’ Trophy Final
Bharatmorningnews.com – A solitary first-half strike from Florian Thauvin was enough to hand Lens a 1-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the French Champions’ Trophy on Sunday, robbing the European champions of a second silverware within five days.
Lens’ New Era Begins with Silverware
The victory marked the debut match for incoming manager Dino Toppmoeller and extended Lens’ trophy haul beyond the French Cup they claimed under predecessor Pierre Sage back in May. The club, who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up behind PSG last campaign, had earned their place in this final by claiming their maiden Coupe de France with a 3-1 demolition of Nice.
Toppmoeller’s side proved more than capable despite being reduced to ten players before the interval. Kyllian Antonio was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche roughly six minutes before the break, yet Lens continued to pose genuine threats on the counter-attack throughout.
PSG Struggle at Stade Bollaert-Delelis
Luis Enrique’s visitors, fresh from their Wednesday UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa, found it difficult to impose their rhythm. Although they controlled possession in opening exchanges, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser dealt with a Kvaratskhelia effort comfortably early on.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when PSG failed to clear a Matthieu Udol cross-shot and Thauvin slotted home at the far post. Despite their numerical superiority thereafter, PSG could not convert pressure into an equaliser before the whistle — Desire Doue’s tight-angle attempt rattled the crossbar.
Substitutions and a Late Red Card
The second half saw Thauvin fire wide from range while Lens maintained their counter-attacking threat. Enrique responded by introducing Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele, the latter producing another straightforward save for Risser. Substitute Nuno Mendes also threatened with a dipping long-range effort that sailed narrowly over the bar.
With three minutes left on the clock, however, PSG’s own numbers dropped to ten when Mendes was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skoras in the face off the ball. The match ended there, leaving Lens as worthy champions.
Ahead: Ligue 1 Title Defence
PSG now turn their focus to defending their Ligue 1 crown, with a home fixture against Rennes scheduled within the week. They will be without Mendes for that contest following his dismissal. Enrique made just three alterations from the Super Cup-winning lineup, including a second debut for Lucas Digne, who has returned to the club from Aston Villa. Bradley Barcola, widely linked with a potential transfer to Liverpool, was omitted from the squad entirely.
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