Ten-man Lens denied Paris Saint-Germain a second trophy in 5 days as Florian Thauvin’s first-half objective secured a 1-0 victory within the French Champions’ Trophy on Sunday.
Lens had been worthy winners of their first match beneath new coach Dino Toppmoeller, including to the French Cup title they received beneath earlier boss Pierre Sage in Could.
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PSG, who beat Aston Villa on Wednesday within the UEFA Tremendous Cup, struggled to search out their stream at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis, regardless of their hosts having Kyllian Antonio despatched off within the first half.
PSG coach Luis Enrique named a powerful aspect, making simply three modifications to the staff which received the Tremendous Cup, together with giving Lucas Digne his second debut after the France left-back rejoined the membership from Villa, however Bradley Barcola, broadly linked with a potential transfer to Liverpool, was not within the squad.
The guests dominated possession within the opening levels however struggled to create clear-cut possibilities, with Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser making a snug save from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Lens grew into the competition and grabbed a Thirty second-minute lead when PSG did not clear earlier than Thauvin slotted dwelling on the again publish from Matthieu Udol‘s cross-shot.
However Toppmoeller’s males had been dealt an enormous blow six minutes earlier than half-time when Antonio was dismissed for a studs-up sort out on Maghnes Akliouche.
PSG virtually made essentially the most of their man benefit earlier than the break, however Need Doue’s effort from a good angle bounced off the crossbar.
The European champions continued to labour after the restart, although, and Thauvin flashed a strike large as Lens continued to threaten on the counter.
PSG substitute Nuno Mendes got here near an equaliser, drilling a dipping long-range shot narrowly over the bar.
Luis Enrique additionally introduced on Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele off the bench, with the latter drawing one other easy save from Risser.
PSG had been decreased to 10 males themselves with three minutes remaining, as Mendes was proven a straight purple card for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skoras within the face off the ball.
