Lens Defeats PSG 1-0 in Trophee de Champions Despite Red Card

Lens secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee de Champions held at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, overcoming a first-half red card issued to defender Kyllian Antonio. Captain Florian Thauvin scored the only goal of the match against the run of play in the 32nd minute.

Antonio received a straight red card for a late challenge on Maghnes Akliouche six minutes prior to halftime, leaving Lens to navigate the second half with 10 men. Defending champions PSG, fresh from their UEFA Super Cup triumph against Aston Villa in Salzburg just days earlier, saw a late equaliser from Fabián Ruiz disallowed for offside. Tensions escalated further when PSG’s Nuno Mendes was sent off for a foul on Michal Skoras with just four minutes remaining.

Notably absent from PSG’s lineup were Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye amid rumors linking them with a move to Liverpool. The match also marked the debut of Lens’ new head coach Dino Toppmöller, who took charge in June following the departure of Pierre Sage to Crystal Palace.

Among the spectators at the final was incoming France coach Zinedine Zidane, who attended the match in Lens.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn