Lens lift Trophee des Champions for the first time after defiant 1-0 win over PSG

Lens claimed the Trophee des Champions for the first time in their history with a gritty 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, with Florian Thauvin's first-half strike proving the difference despite playing nearly an hour with 10 men. Paris Saint-Germain's bid for a record-extending 15th triumph and a fifth straight Trophee des Champions crown came undone against last season's Coupe de France winners.

Thauvin settles it before the chaos

PSG started strongly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia seeing an early effort saved and Maghnes Akliouche firing off target as the champions searched for an opener. But in the 32nd minute, Matthieu Udol scuffed a shot well wide, and Thauvin had stayed onside to race onto the loose ball and coolly slot past Matvey Safonov.

Moments later, Lens were dealt a blow as Kyllian Antonio was shown a straight red card after sliding in late on Akliouche, leading with his studs. Desire Doue came closest to taking advantage of PSG's numerical superiority on the stroke of half-time, hitting the corner of the goalframe from a tight angle on the right of the box.

PSG rue missed chances and late dismissals

Luis Enrique's side continued to push after the break and thought they had levelled in the 77th minute when Fabian Ruiz coolly knocked his low effort past Robin Risser, only for an offside in the build-up to cut his celebrations short. Dembele then blazed over from point-blank range, while Nuno Mendes received his marching orders in the 87th minute after catching Michal Skoras with his elbow.

With a level playing field restored, Lens pushed forward in search of a second and thought they had found it through Udol's diving header. He beat Safonov from close range, but the referee's whistle had already gone for a foul earlier in the move — to Lens' frustration, even if it mattered little in the end.

Toppmoller flips the script

The victory marks a landmark moment for a Lens side that were PSG's closest challengers in the Ligue 1 title race last season, finishing six points behind the champions before capping a stunning campaign with Coupe de France glory under Pierre Sage. Now under Dino Toppmoller, they have added more silverware — and a first Trophee des Champions triumph.

Lens had only contested this match once before, back in 1998, losing 1-0 to PSG on that occasion. This time, they flipped the script. PSG had won the trophy in each of the last four seasons and, despite racking up 22 shots worth 1.47 expected goals (xG), could not find a way through. Having already lifted the Super Cup this week, PSG will be disappointed not to add more silverware given their record over the last two campaigns. For Toppmoller, digging in and remaining dogged after playing nearly an hour with a man disadvantage will provide plenty of confidence heading into a new season where Lens will be determined to go toe-to-toe with PSG once more.