Lens go to war and shock PSG in Trophée des Champions

Lens had to play around an hour with 10 men against Paris Saint-Germain, but they stood firm to win the Trophée des Champions on home soil at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Last season’s Coupe de France winners went in front just after the half-hour mark on Sunday, with Florian Thauvin timing his run to perfection before slotting past Matvey Safonov.

Just seven minutes later Lens’ chances of starting the Dino Toppmoller era with silverware were dealt a huge blow when Kyllian Antonio was sent off for a studs-up lunge on Maghnes Akliouche.

The game was predictably one-sided from that moment on, but Lens delivered a heroic rearguard action to win their first-ever Trophée des Champions. PSG had 23 shots to Lens’ eight and racked up 1.71 expected goals to the 0.9 xG posted by Toppmoller’s side, who were playing at home.

‘We can go to war’

Goalkeeper Robin Risser, who made six saves, told Ligue 1+ afterwards:

"It wasn't easy. With 10 against 11, we knew it would be even more complicated. But we said to ourselves at half-time, if we respect the values of this club, with nine or 10, we can go to war. We must build on this success for the future. It's a great success against the Parisian giant."

Full-back Ruben Aguilar was sent on at half-time as Toppmoller looked to shore things up, and the 33-year-old was particularly impressed by how Lens’ new players conducted themselves.

"When you sign for this club and you are new, you are given enormous values. I knew we were going to get a result tonight," Aguilar said. "I'm very proud of the guys, we are really a close-knit family. I wish all players could play for a club like Lens. We had the best team in the world against us, but by suffering and giving everything for each other, we can do anything. I hope we have another great season this year."

Enrique concedes

PSG were unable to make it two trophies in four days following their Super Cup victory over Aston Villa, but Luis Enrique was still content with many aspects of their performance.

"The first positive thing is that you did something good if you are in the final. We played at a higher level than I expected. We played a very good game, we created chances, but we didn't manage to score. We have to congratulate the opponent. We're not tired, but at this point in the season, I've seen some very positive situations. We played a good match. That's life, that's football. We have to accept it, congratulate the opponent and continue."

PSG open their Ligue 1 title defence at home to Rennes on Sunday, 24 hours after Lens take on Auxerre in their matchday one game.