Lens beat Nice 3-1 to secure first-ever Coupe de France trophy
Lens completed a historic night at Stade de France after defeating Nice 3-1 to claim the Coupe de France title for the first time in the club's 120-year existence.
The victory delivered a landmark moment for the northern French side and crowned a season that has transformed the club's modern identity. Having already secured Champions League qualification through a second-place Ligue 1 finish, lifting the French Cup added another layer to what supporters will likely remember as one of the finest campaigns in Lens history.
For years, the Coupe de France had represented unfinished business for Lens. Previous final appearances ended in disappointment, but this time there was no heartbreak.
Instead, there was celebration.
Thauvin steps up on the big stage
Former France international Florian Thauvin emerged as the driving force behind Lens' triumph.
The experienced attacker opened the scoring midway through the first half after drilling a composed finish into the bottom corner to hand Lens the early advantage.
Thauvin then shifted from scorer to creator shortly before halftime, delivering a dangerous corner that former Celtic and Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard converted with a powerful header.
At 2-0, Lens appeared to have seized complete control. However, Nice refused to disappear quietly.
Teenage midfielder Djibril Coulibaly, making his first domestic start, announced himself with a brilliantly timed header during first-half stoppage time to reduce the deficit and reignite belief among his side.
The goal gave Nice momentum heading into the second period and briefly threatened to alter the direction of the final.
Nice fight back but fail to complete comeback
The second half belonged largely to Nice in terms of attacking pressure. Claude Puel's side pushed forward aggressively and twice struck the woodwork as they searched for an equaliser.
Antoine Mendy came agonisingly close shortly after the restart, while further opportunities increased tension inside the stadium.
Yet football often punishes missed chances. Lens remained disciplined under pressure and capitalised on a costly defensive error in the closing stages.
Veteran defender Dante's attempted clearance created confusion inside the Nice penalty area, allowing substitute Abdallah Sima to react quickest and stab the ball home in the 78th minute.
The goal effectively ended the contest and triggered scenes of celebration among Lens supporters.
A season that reshaped Lens
Beyond the trophy itself, this triumph reflects the significant progress Lens have made.
Under Pierre Sage, the club not only challenged among France's elite but also demonstrated consistency throughout the season. Finishing second behind Paris Saint-Germain and now securing domestic silverware signals a club moving with growing ambition.
The title also ends a major drought.
Lens had not lifted a significant trophy since their League Cup success in 1999, while their only league championship came in 1998.
This latest achievement may ultimately be viewed as the beginning of a new era rather than the end of a successful season.
More problems for Nice
While Lens celebrated, Nice were left facing a difficult reality. The defeat adds to a frustrating campaign for the Ineos-owned club, whose struggles in Ligue 1 have left them battling for survival.
Their season now hinges on navigating a crucial playoff to maintain top-flight status, leaving little time to recover emotionally from the disappointment of losing another chance at silverware.
For Lens, however, the story is entirely different.
The club that once carried the reputation of nearly men in French cup competitions now has its place in history secured. And judging by their trajectory, this may only be the start.
SportsLigue
