RC Lens delivered a statement of intent by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to lift the French Champions Trophy, overcoming both the reigning Ligue 1 champions and the handicap of playing with 10 men for nearly an hour.

Florian Thauvin’s precise first-half finish settled a tense contest at a raucous Stade Bollaert-Delelis, as Lens added the season-opening silverware to the French Cup they captured in May. It was a dream start for new coach Dino Toppmöller, who has inherited a side determined to prove last season’s surge was no one-off.

PSG arrived with momentum after their recent UEFA Super Cup success and Luis Enrique named a powerful starting XI, tweaking only three positions and handing Lucas Digne a second debut at left-back. Yet despite long spells of possession, the visitors struggled to unpick Lens’ disciplined defensive block.

Lens grew bolder as the first half wore on and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. PSG failed to clear a teasing ball into the area, Matthieu Udol’s driven cross-shot skidded through the box and Thauvin ghosted in at the back post to steer a low finish beyond goalkeeper Robin Risser.

The hosts’ task became significantly harder six minutes before the interval when Kyllian Antonio was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche. PSG almost capitalised immediately, Désiré Doué rattling the crossbar from a tight angle, but that near miss proved a warning rather than a turning point.

After the break, the European champions continued to probe without conviction. Lens, compact and tireless, threatened on the counter, Thauvin flashing another effort just wide. PSG substitute Nuno Mendes went closest for the visitors with a dipping long-range strike that flew narrowly over, while Ousmane Dembélé and Fabián Ruiz were introduced to inject urgency but found little joy against Risser and his well-organised back line.

Frustration boiled over late on when Mendes was dismissed for elbowing Lens wing-back Michal Skóraś off the ball, leaving both teams with 10 men and PSG with no way back. Luis Enrique insisted his side “deserved more” but acknowledged Lens’ intensity and resilience.

For Lens, runners-up to PSG in Ligue 1 last season, this victory confirms their status as genuine contenders on the French stage. For PSG, it is an early reminder that domestic dominance can no longer be taken for granted.