A stunning surprise under Zidane's watch: Lens shock Paris with 10 players

Champions of Europe fall

Lens dealt a heavy blow to Paris Saint-Germain, beating them 1-0 on Sunday evening at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis to be crowned winners of the 2026 French Champions Trophy. The hosts bossed the physical battle in a thrilling contest that also saw two Parisian players sent off.

Paris Saint-Germain arrived as European champions, just days after lifting the UEFA Super Cup at Aston Villa's expense. They wanted another trophy before the French league campaign began. Zinedine Zidane, the new head coach of the France national team, watched from the stands.

Paris went on the attack from the off and came close to scoring more than once. Risser and the Lens defence held firm against Kvaratskhelia, Doué and Akliouche, before the hosts pounced on one of their counter-attacks.

In the 32nd minute, Florian Thauvin arrived at the far post, seized on a ball inside the penalty area and slotted it into the Paris Saint-Germain net. Lens had a shock lead over the European champions.

The hosts then took a blow of their own. The referee showed Kylian Antonio a red card for a reckless challenge on Akliouche, and Lens played on with 10 men from the 39th minute.

Down to 10, Lens still clung to their lead until the break. Doué rattled the crossbar in stoppage time, but the hosts went in a goal to the good.

After the restart, Paris cranked up enormous pressure and made the most of their extra man. Luis Enrique threw on attacking options including Nuno Mendes, Ruiz and Dembélé, yet Risser and his defence were heroic.

Wave after wave of Paris attacks kept coming. Risser snuffed out more than one dangerous chance, Dembélé wasted a golden opportunity, and Ruiz had a goal ruled out for offside. The visitors simply could not break the hosts' resistance.

Then came a fresh twist. Nuno Mendes was sent off, levelling the numbers for the closing minutes, and Lens held their nerve until the final whistle.