On 16/8 at Bollaert-Delelis Stadium, Lens unexpectedly took the lead in the 32nd minute with a close-range shot from captain Florian Thauvin. However, just seven minutes later, they were reduced to 10 men when defender Kyllian Antonio received a direct red card for a dangerous tackle on Maghnes Akliouche.
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Florian Thauvin celebrates his goal in Lens' 1-0 victory over PSG in the French Super Cup final at Bollaert-Delelis Stadium, Lens, France, on 16/8/2026. Photo: Foot01 |
PSG then dominated, creating numerous opportunities, but Nuno Mendes, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue all squandered their chances. In the 86th minute, the Paris capital club also found themselves with 10 players when Nuno Mendes was sent off for a retaliatory action against Michal Skoras.
With a 1-0 victory, Lens claimed their first French Super Cup title. They had previously appeared in this match one time in 1998, when they lost 0-1 to PSG. Coach Dino Toppmoller made a perfect debut after succeeding Pierre Sage, who departed Lens to manage Crystal Palace.
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Lens players celebrate their French Super Cup title. Photo: Sipa |
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth time Luis Enrique has failed to win a title in the 17 tournaments he has participated in with PSG since taking office in summer 2023. The previous three instances include the Champions League 2024 (reached the semi-finals), the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (lost in the final), and the French Cup 2026 (eliminated in the round of 1/16).
Enrique has guided PSG to 13 titles in other tournaments, including two Champions League titles and two European Super Cups in 2025 and 2026; one Intercontinental Cup for Clubs in 2025; three Ligue 1 titles for the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 seasons; two French Cups in 2024 and 2025; and three French Super Cup titles in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
"It's disappointing. But we need to analyze, evaluate, and acknowledge what we've done, because I think PSG played very well", Enrique said after the match. "I'm very satisfied with what I saw in the first half, but the score was 0-1. Football is incredible and sometimes very unfair".
The Spanish coach also praised Lens. "We have to congratulate Lens, because they scored one more goal than us, and ultimately that's what's important in a match", he said. "In the second half, we tried to create more opportunities".
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France coach Zinedine Zidane (left) and assistant David Bettoni in the stands. Photo: AFP |
In the stands of Bollaert-Delelis Stadium yesterday, Zinedine Zidane began his new role as head coach of the France national team. Nearly three weeks after his appointment was announced, the 54-year-old legend directly observed the Lens - PSG match to make his initial assessment of national team players and potential candidates for the squad.
This serves as preparation for Zidane before France's four Nations League matches, scheduled from 25/9 to 5/10.
The French Super Cup final featured many French national team players. For PSG, Lucas Digne, Maghnes Akliouche, and Desire Doue all started. All three were called up for the World Cup 2026. Ousmane Dembele and Lucas Hernandez were on the bench.
For Lens, goalkeeper Robin Risser, who served as France's third-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup 2026, also started. Florian Thauvin and Matthieu Udol did not participate in the recent tournament but may still be considered by Zidane for the next squad.
Hong Duy
