Lens ended a 25-year wait for silverware by defeating Nice 3-1 in a Coupe de France final defined by Florian Thauvin's brilliance and Dante's defensive misery. Manager Will Still's bold selections, including throwing teenager Antonio into the backline despite a thigh issue and starting Allan Saint-Maximin to harry Nice's defence, paid off handsomely at the Stade de France.
The opener arrived in the 25th minute through a moment of individual magic. Goalkeeper Mathew Risser launched a precise long ball that set the stage, and Thauvin produced a stunning piece of control, stopping the ball with his studs before firing a left-footed finish past Maxime Dupé. It was the culmination of a promise the winger had made to himself in this competition. "I had an appointment with destiny in this Coupe de France," he had said, and he kept it with devastating effect.
Odsonne Edouard then took center stage, transforming the match into a personal duel with the legendary Brazilian centre-back Dante. The Lens striker's physicality and movement left the 40-year-old struggling throughout. Just before halftime, Edouard met a Thauvin corner with a powerful header to double the lead, exposing Dante's inability to cope with his aerial threat. That goal forced Nice to chase the game.
Nice did pull one back in added time at the end of the first half. From a corner, substitute Bilal Coulibaly – not to be confused with the 17-year-old Lens midfielder of the same name who started the match – rose at the near post to nod home, briefly reigniting hope. But that was as close as they would come.
The second half saw Lens manage the situation with composure. Nice pushed for an equalizer and twice struck the woodwork: first through a Jordan Mendy header that ricocheted off the bar, and later when Kevin Carlos's effort clipped the post. Risser stayed alert, making crucial saves to preserve the lead.
Then, in the 78th minute, Lens delivered the knockout blow. Centre-back Facundo Medina launched a raking pass over the top, sending El Hadj Sima clear. The forward sprinted through and, with Dupé rushing out, cleverly toe-poked the ball into the net from a tight angle. The 3-1 scoreline sparked wild celebrations among the sang et or faithful.
Manager Still's gamble on youth and fitness proved inspired. Antonio, just 18, gritted his teeth through the discomfort and contributed to a solid defensive block. Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin's relentless running on the left flank tormented his former club and created the corner for Edouard's goal. The decision to start 17-year-old midfielder Coulibaly also added energy, as the youngster showed maturity beyond his years in the engine room.
For Nice, the defeat will be remembered as the final act of Dante's illustrious career. The veteran succumbed to Edouard's power time and again, and a weak headed clearance inadvertently set up Sima's clincher. He was substituted shortly after, exhausted. His nightmare evening stood in stark contrast to Thauvin's masterclass.
Lens' triumph marks a seismic moment for a club that has rebuilt itself under Still's guidance. Winning their first Coupe de France since 1999 not only ends a drought but also confirms their return to the top table of French football. With young talents like Antonio and Coulibaly integrated seamlessly, the future looks bright.
The victory also underscores the tactical acumen of Still, who outmanoeuvred his counterpart by exploiting Nice's frailties. While Nice dominated possession in spells, Lens were ruthlessly efficient, taking their chances when they arrived. The defensive trio of Medina, Danso, and Sarr held firm under late pressure, with Sarr's physicality particularly standing out despite a yellow card.
As the final whistle blew, the Lens players sank to their knees in celebration. For Thauvin, it was redemption after a dip in form; for Edouard, it was a statement of his lethality; for the fans, it was the end of a long purgatory. The Coupe de France trophy will head back to the north, and its inhabitants will remember this night when everything clicked.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
