Lens make history with first Coupe de France triumph after defeating Nice
Racing Club de Lens ended decades of waiting by lifting the Coupe de France for the first time in the club’s history after beating OGC Nice 3-1 at the Stade de France on Friday evening. The Northern side were inspired by an imperious Florian Thuavin, who scored and assisted as Pierre Sage’s men ended a memorable season with silverware after finishing as runners up in Ligue 1.
Following an evenly contested opening, Lens would strike first through Florian Thuavin’s after controlling within the area and firing a left-footed finish across Maxime Dupé and into the far corner (25’). Les Sang & Or continued to grow into the contest and nearly doubled their advantage through Allan Saint-Maximin and Odsonne Édouard before finally finding a second goal three minutes before the break. Thauvin turned provider, delivering a corner onto the head of Édouard, who powered past Dupé to make it 2-0 (41’).
Claude Puel’s men had shown signs of danger through Sofiane Diop and Elye Wahi, but struggled to cope with the pressure from the Northern side. But just as they thought the final was getting away from them, Les Aiglons found a crucial lifeline in the first-half of stoppage time. Jonathan Clauss' corner was met by 17-year-old academy graduate Djibril Coulibaly, whose header found the far corner to reduce the arrears and keep the final alive heading into the second half (45+3’).
The second period would be greeted by a loud and proud rendition of Les Corons from the Lens supporters, and it would begin in much the same vein as the first. Edouard would come close with a strike saved by Dupé, before Nice dramatically rattled the crossbar through Antoine Mendy’s header after the Lens defence switched off for a split second and the Niçois defender’s header bounced in front of the line after striking the upright.
Sima seals historic success
The decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Under pressure from substitute Abdallah Sima, Nice defenders Dante and Mendy hesitated in possession, allowing the Senegal international to nick the ball away and poke beyond Dupé for Lens' third goal of the evening (78’). But Nice didn’t give up yet, with Oppong crashing a header against the post only minutes later.
However, the final minutes belonged to Lens and their supporters. As the clock ticked down at the Stade de France, thousands of Sang et Or fans sensed history was within touching distance. When the final whistle eventually sounded, scenes of jubilation erupted both on the pitch and in the stands as Lens finally ended their long wait for Coupe de France glory.
Having finished second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain, Sage’s side had already exceeded expectations throughout the campaign. This victory provided the perfect finale, securing the club’s first Coupe de France crown and delivering one of the most memorable nights in Racing Club de Lens’ history.
For Nice, attention now turns immediately towards their relegation play-off against Saint-Étienne, with the disappointment of defeat quickly replaced by the need to preserve their Ligue 1 status. For Lens, meanwhile, this was a night that will be remembered for generations: a first Coupe de France triumph, achieved in front of a sea of red and gold, and a fitting reward for a remarkable season.
