RC Lens have their first trophy of the season. At Bollaert, the Sang et Or beat PSG 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions, in a match that above all highlighted one reality: Paris was not ready for this battle.
A perfectly executed game plan
Lens knew from the outset how to approach this final. A compact block, plenty of physicality in duels and an ability to shut down spaces long suffocated the Parisians. The dismissal of Kyllian Antonio in the 39th minute could have changed everything, but the Lensois continued their defensive mission with exemplary discipline.
Up front, Florian Thauvin stepped up at the most important moment. In the 32nd minute, the new Lens captain — appointed to the role just a few days before the match — arrived at the back post to convert a driven cross from Matthieu Udol and open the scoring. A captain's goal for a first trophy.
A PSG short on freshness
On the Parisian side, the fatigue accumulated during the European Super Cup, won four days earlier against Aston Villa, clearly took its toll. In only three matches played since the restart, PSG appeared to lack the cutting edge needed to unlock the situation at key moments.
Kvaratskhelia, who had scored against Aston Villa, failed to make an impact in this final and was substituted by Luis Enrique in the 70th minute. Even with a numerical advantage, Paris were thwarted by the Lens block, with a notably decisive intervention from Robin Risser against Nuno Mendes in the 64th minute.
Toppmöller launches his reign with a trophy
For Dino Toppmöller, it is an ideal start. The new German manager, who arrived this summer following Pierre Sage's departure, has already won a trophy with a deeply reshuffled squad.
Lens did not try to dazzle. They were solid, aggressive and efficient. On that evening, it was more than enough to beat PSG and lift the Trophée des Champions.
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