Ten-man Lens denied Paris Saint-Germain a second trophy in five days on Sunday. Florian Thauvin’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory in the French Champions’ Trophy.
Lens earned a deserved win in Dino Toppmoeller’s first match as coach. The victory also added another trophy after the club won the French Cup under former boss Pierre Sage in May.
PSG had beaten Aston Villa on Wednesday to win the UEFA Super Cup. However, they struggled to find their rhythm at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Lens also played with 10 men for much of the second half after Kyllian Antonio received a red card.
“I think we deserved more,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.
“But I have to congratulate Lens– they won, and they played very well, with their usual intensity…”
“We played a very good match, but we didn’t have the luck we needed.”
Thauvin Gives Lens the Lead
PSG dominated possession during the opening stages. However, the visitors struggled to create clear chances.
Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser comfortably saved Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s effort.
Lens then grew into the contest and took the lead in the 32nd minute.
PSG failed to clear the ball. Thauvin then finished at the back post from Matthieu Udol’s cross-shot.
The hosts suffered a major setback six minutes before half-time. Antonio received a red card for a studs-up tackle on Maghnes Akliouche.
PSG almost took advantage of their numerical advantage before the break. Desire Doue’s effort from a tight angle, however, hit the crossbar.
PSG Struggle After the Break
The European champions continued to struggle after the restart.
Thauvin nearly doubled Lens’ advantage. His strike flashed wide as the hosts continued to threaten on the counter.
PSG substitute Nuno Mendes then came close to an equaliser. He drilled a dipping long-range shot narrowly over the bar.
Luis Enrique introduced Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele from the bench. Dembele later forced another simple save from Risser.
PSG also ended the match with 10 players.
Mendes received a straight red card with three minutes remaining. The referee dismissed him for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skoras in the face off the ball.
PSG Turn Attention to Ligue 1
PSG will now turn their attention to the start of their Ligue 1 title defence.
They will host Rennes next week.
However, Portugal defender Mendes will miss that match following his late dismissal.
Lens finished as Ligue 1 runners-up behind PSG last season. They earned their place in the Champions’ Trophy after winning their first French Cup.
They beat Nice 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy.
Luis Enrique named a strong PSG side for Sunday’s match. He made only three changes from the team that won the Super Cup.
Lucas Digne also made his second debut after returning to PSG from Aston Villa.
Bradley Barcola, meanwhile, did not feature in the squad amid reports linking him with a possible move to Liverpool.
