Lens stun PSG 1-0 to win the Trophée des Champions for the first time, with Florian Thauvin scoring before Lens survived with 10 men

On Sunday, 16 August 2026, at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France, RC Lens captain Florian Thauvin and head coach Dino Toppmöller led RC Lens to a historic 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, managed by Luis Enrique, to win the Trophée des Champions for the first time in the club’s history.

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Thauvin scored the decisive goal in the 32nd minute, finishing from Matthieu Udol’s delivery after Lens had begun to grow into a match in which PSG initially enjoyed more possession.

The advantage became more valuable seven minutes later when Lens forward Kyllian Antonio was sent off for a dangerous tackle. Lens therefore had to defend their narrow lead with 10 players for more than 50 minutes.

The pressure intensified after the interval.

Paris Saint-Germain introduced Nuno Mendes, Ousmane Dembélé and Fabián Ruiz as Luis Enrique sought a way back into the match. Dembélé went close, but Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser produced important saves to keep PSG scoreless.

Désiré Doué also struck the crossbar before half-time, while a later PSG attempt was ruled out for offside. The European champions continued to press, but Lens remained disciplined and dangerous on the counter.

There was late drama at both ends. Nuno Mendes was dismissed in the closing stages after an off-the-ball incident involving Lens wing-back Michał Skóraś, leaving both sides with 10 players by the final whistle.

For Lens, the victory represents a significant moment in the club’s modern history. The Trophée des Champions was the only major domestic trophy missing from the club’s collection after Lens won their first Coupe de France in May.

The triumph also came in Dino Toppmöller’s first competitive match in charge following the departure of Pierre Sage. Toppmöller therefore began his Lens tenure with silverware against a side that had dominated French football in recent seasons.

The result was particularly striking given PSG’s standing. Luis Enrique’s side entered the match as reigning French champions and holders of the Trophée des Champions, having won the competition four times in succession. PSG also hold the record with 14 victories in the tournament.

Lens, by contrast, were appearing in the competition for only the second time. Their previous appearance came in 1998, when PSG defeated them 1-0.

This time, the outcome was reversed.

Lens had also beaten PSG twice by 2-0 in Ligue 1 during the 2025/26 season, although PSG ultimately finished as French champions.

The Trophée des Champions victory gives Lens a further boost before the new Ligue 1 campaign begins.

For PSG, the defeat ended a demanding run of major matches. The club had defeated Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup earlier in the week and were attempting to add another trophy before beginning their Ligue 1 title defence.

Luis Enrique acknowledged the frustration while crediting Lens for making the most of their opportunity.

“I think we played a very good match,” Luis Enrique said. “We missed some very clear opportunities.”

The PSG manager also recognised the significance of Lens’ achievement, saying the hosts had scored one more goal and that this was ultimately what mattered.

The defeat does not erase PSG’s remarkable recent success, but it does provide an early reminder that the new French season may not begin with the same familiar script.

For Lens, meanwhile, the victory offers something more than a trophy. It provides an early statement under a new manager and strengthens the belief that the club can challenge France’s established order.

Thauvin’s composed finish, Risser’s crucial saves and Lens’ resilience after Antonio’s dismissal combined to produce a memorable night at a packed Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

The Trophée des Champions may traditionally open the French season, but for Lens, this was the beginning of something potentially more significant.

Also read: Cameroon Win Historic WAFCON Title With 3-0 Rout

A club that once entered the match as the underdog now has a first French Champions’ Trophy to celebrate.