News Focus
- RC Lens defeated OGC Nice 3-1 to lift their first-ever Coupe de France trophy
- The final took place at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday evening
- Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Édouard and Abdallah Sima scored for the winning side
- The victory ends a 120-year wait for domestic cup success for the northern club
- Nice must now prepare for a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne next week
RC Lens have made history by winning the Coupe de France for the first time in their 120-year existence. The Sang et Or claimed a 3-1 victory over OGC Nice in Friday’s final at the Stade de France.
The two sides arrived in Paris with vastly different seasons behind them. Lens had pushed Paris Saint-Germain hard in the league title race. In contrast, Nice suffered a dramatic collapse after crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers last August. They now face a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne.
Approximately 50,000 Lens supporters filled the stands. They created a stunning atmosphere with their blood and gold colours. This travelling army far outnumbered the fans who had made the journey from the French Riviera.
Nice started the match with energy. They threatened with through balls aimed at Elye Wahi, but goalkeeper Ismaëlo Ganiou dealt with the danger. Allan Saint-Maximin also went close when his curling shot grazed the crossbar.
Lens took the lead midway through the first half. Matthieu Udol sprinted down the left flank and delivered a cutback for Florian Thauvin. The 33-year-old midfielder finished with a calm left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The advantage doubled before halftime. Odsonne Édouard lost his marker to head in a corner from Adrien Thomasson. However, Nice responded quickly. Djibril Coulibaly nodded home from close range after the keeper had saved an initial shot.
The second half began with Lens applying pressure. Saint-Maximin provided a clever backheel for Thauvin, but the shot was blocked. Nice then enjoyed a strong spell around the hour mark. Antoine Mendy struck the crossbar with a header from close range.
Substitute Abdallah Sima settled the contest late in the game. He had only just replaced Édouard when he restored the two-goal cushion. Nice could not mount a comeback in the final minutes.
Burkina Faso international Ismaëlo Ganiou delivered an outstanding performance between the posts. The 21-year-old earned a rating of 8 after making several vital saves when Nice pressed forward. This victory crowns a remarkable campaign for Pierre Sage’s men.