Lens emerged as worthy winners in their first competitive outing under new head coach Dino Toppmoeller, building on the momentum of their French Cup triumph secured under former manager Pierre Sage this past May. The victory at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis came despite the hosts enduring a difficult first half that saw Kyllian Antonio receive a red card.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the match served as a disappointing follow-up to their midweek UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa. Despite manager Luis Enrique fielding a strong lineup—which included a second debut for France left-back Lucas Digne following his return from Villa—the visitors struggled to find their rhythm. Bradley Barcola, who has been linked with a potential move to Liverpool, was notably absent from the squad.
Although PSG controlled possession early on, they failed to convert chances, with goalkeeper Robin Risser making a routine save from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Lens capitalized on their opportunities in the 32nd minute when Thauvin slotted home at the back post following a cross-shot from Matthieu Udol. The hosts' momentum was hindered shortly after when Antonio was dismissed for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche six minutes before the break. PSG nearly leveled the score before halftime, but Desire Doue’s effort from a tight angle struck the crossbar.
The second half saw PSG continue to labor against the ten-man Lens side. Substitute Nuno Mendes came close to an equalizer with a long-range effort that sailed narrowly over the bar, while fellow substitutes Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele were unable to break down the Lens defense, with Dembele forcing a simple save from Risser. Late in the match, PSG were also reduced to ten men when Nuno Mendes received a straight red card for an off-the-ball elbow on Lens wing-back Michal Skoras.
Luis Enrique’s squad will now shift their focus to their Ligue 1 title defense, which begins at home against Rennes in one week. They will be forced to navigate that opening fixture without the suspended Nuno Mendes.
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.
PSG were reduced to 10 men themselves with three minutes remaining, as Mendes was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skoras in the face off the ball.
