Trophée des Champions: Lens’s track record in the competition’s history

16.08.26 14:45 Super Cup France

Lens

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Paris Saint-Germain

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RC Lens kick off their season with the Trophée des Champions showdown against Paris Saint-Germain this Sunday, August 16 (18:45 GMT) at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

A draw held on June 3, following the LFP’s Board of Directors meeting, decided that the 2026 Trophée des Champions would be staged on Lens’s turf. The two clubs couldn’t come to terms on hosting the match at either of their home grounds.

While PSG have already played in this final 19 times (14 wins, 5 defeats), the Sang et Or are making only their second appearance in the competition. Their first was back in 1998, ending in defeat to this same PSG side (1-0).

That was the 22nd edition, with Lens, 1997-98 French champions, falling 1-0 at the Stade de la Vallée du Cher in Tours before 10,365 spectators. Yann Lachue netted the only goal in the 50th minute.

Twenty-eight years later, RCL return to the Trophée des Champions, eager to finally etch their name among the winners of this coveted trophy.

A turbulent summer for Lens

Lens lost their head coach, Pierre Sage, who departed for Crystal Palace after guiding the club to second place last season. He’s been replaced by German manager Dino Toppmoller, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt. There were also several key exits from the squad, including Mamadou Sangaré, Allan Saint-Maximin, Wesley Saïd, and Adrien Thomasson.

Florian Thauvin and company lifted the Como Cup after dispatching Crystal Palace 3-0 and Villarreal 3-1 in the final, but stumbled in their first preseason test against Sunderland (0-2). Hardly the ideal buildup before this major showdown with PSG.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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