The last time Lens appeared in the Trophee des Champions final was in 1998, when they lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain. This time, a resilient Les Sang et Or, making their second appearance in the competition since then, return to action at Stade Bollaert-Delelis to face a PSG side preparing for another dominant campaign.
It's a silverware showdown on Sunday, August 16, as PSG travels to Lens for a Trophee des Champions final that has seen Paris Saint-Germain not taste defeat since 2021. Lens boss Dino Toppmoller will be aiming to guide his team after inheriting a side that averaged 2.47 points per game at home last season.
Team Form
Lens: Won 14 of 17 home games in Ligue 1 last season, collecting eight clean sheets.
PSG: Seeking a fifth consecutive Trophee des Champions crown while winning eight straight against Lens.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
The last meeting between Lens and PSG in this competition was in 1998, ending in a 1-0 win for Les Parisiens.
Lens dropped points in only three home league fixtures during their successful campaign under Pierre Sage.
Lens has failed to win against PSG since 2023, when they claimed a 3-1 victory at home.
Luis Enrique’s men were clinical in the Super Cup, netting two goals to defeat Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday.
PSG haven't kept a clean sheet in their last 5 matches.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Lens | Form: WDWLW:
Dino Toppmoller's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a formidable home record in front of their fans.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Thorgan Hazard and clinical finishers like Odsonne Edouard, they provide a stern test for any visiting club.
Having been paired with PSG in this official curtain-raiser, this fixture against the French champions is a strategic move to master the required playing style.
PSG | Form: LDW:
Luis Enrique's men are looking to snap a recent traveling dip where they suffered a defeat against Paris FC in their last competitive away outing.
Despite the absence of full fitness for some squad members, the Parisiens still boast experienced heads like Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos.
With domestic title defenses and Champions League campaigns looming later this month, finding their rhythm in France this week is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
Lens (possible):
Risser, Antonio, Ganiou, Nawrocki, Abdulhamid, Bulatovic, Haidara, Hazard, Thuavin, Ivanovic, Edouard.
PSG (possible):
Safonov, Hakimi, Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Digne, Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Thorgan Hazard: The newly arrived midfielder could make his final pre-season start for Lens after joining the team in mid-July.
Achraf Hakimi: A vital cog in the PSG engine room who will be tasked with disrupting Lens's home-based midfield stars.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Arrives in great form, having netted in their UEFA Super Cup victory, posing a constant threat from wide.
Ousmane Dembele: The French star will be expected to lead the line and maintain the winning streak for Les Parisiens.
Odds Market on MSport
PSG/Away to win = 1.82
Lens/Home to win = 4.79
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.69
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.72
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant home side in Lens faces a PSG team desperate to continue their silverware run.
With both teams using this as a vital dress rehearsal for the season, Stade Bollaert-Delelis is set for a compelling domestic night.