Coupe de France: Lens edge Toulouse in high-octane semifinal
RC Lens turned one of their better displays of late, comprehensively beating Toulouse FC 4-1 to reach the final of the Coupe de France. Catch up on the latest from the Stade Bollaert with our recap.
A ferocious start
With a potential trophy on the line, both managers lined up strong elevens, with Lens in particular making a raft of changes from the team which had beaten Les Violets on Friday in Ligue 1 McDonald's. Allan Saint-Maximin, often used as an impact substitute, was played from the off, and Florian Thauvin and Odsonne Édouard were also back in the eleven. As for the visitors, who are looking to win the competition for the second time in four years, they also played a strong side save the suspended Mark McKenzie, with Kjetil Haug in goal the only major change for Carles Martínez Novell.
It wouldn't take long for Pierre Sage's changes to make a difference, either -- with just five minutes played, Thauvin was brought down in the box by Pape Demba Diop, and the official pointed to the spot. The French international duly converted, and it wasn't long before Le Sang et Or doubled their lead, with Saint-Maximin scoring from range, leaving Haug no chance in the Toulouse goal. On 21 minutes, Toulouse would pull a goal back through Santiago Hidalgo, the Argentine pouncing on a mix-up between Robin Risser in goal and defender Samson Baidoo (21').
ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX! 💥 pic.twitter.com/ouiCroSRG4
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 21, 2026
A controlled display
Lens weren't long in offering a response, though, as Matthieu Udol would find the net on a brilliant team move (36'), restoring the hosts' two-goal lead from Saud Abdulhamid's low cross. Frenetic to that point, the match settled somewhat from there, but Lens were good value for their advantage at the break.
In the second half, with neither manager having made changes, the match was far more controlled, with only half-chances to be had from either side before the hour. Lens would add another goal through Adrien Thomasson (74'), holding Toulouse at arm's reach despite the visitors' making several attacking changes. With the 4-1 win, Lens will play in the final on May 22, against one of OGC Nice and RC Strasbourg, who will face off in the second semifinal tomorrow evening in Alsace.
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