This Sunday, August 16, Paris Saint-Germain faces Lens at the Stade Bollaert (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET) in the 2026 Trophée des Champions. As before every match, here is a look at the Parisians’ opponent.
Lens’ Situation –
Lens has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and shifting fortunes in recent years. The club has seen a succession of coaches, a trend that continues this season. Pierre Sage, who made a name for himself at Lyon, wrapped up a superb year; his team’s style of play and results allowed them to challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title and win the Coupe de France. However, this success attracted interest from Crystal Palace, and the coach chose to leave despite the prospect of Champions League football with RCL.
Dino Toppmöller, who made his mark in the Bundesliga—notably with Eintracht Frankfurt—has taken over with the difficult task of maintaining the high standards set last season. The team needs to perform well in Europe while also securing a strong finish in the league. It could be a challenging year to manage, especially given some changes to the squad.
The 2026 Summer Transfer Window –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
Last season, Lens boasted the second-best attack in Ligue 1 with 66 goals scored (PSG led with 74, while Angers and Nantes were at the bottom with 29). They also had the second-best defense, conceding 35 goals (PSG had the best defense with 29 conceded, while Metz had the worst with 76).
Lens’ top scorer was Odsonne Edouard (a 28-year-old forward); with 12 goals, he finished fifth in the league rankings (the Ligue 1 leader was Esteban Lepaul with 21 goals). Adrien Thomasson (32-year-old midfielder) was Lens’ top assist provider with 10 assists and ranked first in Ligue 1. Mathieu Udol (30-year-old left-back) was second in Ligue 1 with 7 assists.
Lens’ last 5 matches –
Only Lens’ possession is shown, and Lens’ shots are listed first (where data is available).
18/07/2026 (friendly) – Lens vs. Boulogne: 4-1. Played in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
25/07/2026 (friendly) – Lens vs. Charleroi: 2-2. Played in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
28/07/2026 (friendly) – Crystal Palace vs. Lens: 0-3. Played in a 3-4-2-1 formation. 65% possession. 8 shots vs. 3 shots.
28/07/2026 (friendly) – Lens vs. Famalicão: (0-0, then 7-8 on penalties). Played in a 3-4-2-1 formation with logical squad rotation.
01/08/2027 (friendly) – Lens vs. Villarreal: 3-1. Played in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
The squad –
Out – Celik Chavez, Gradit (injury) T. Hazard (suspension).
Probable lineup (3-4-3):
Sima – Edouard – Thauvin
Udol – Cuisance – Bulatovic – Abdulhamid
Nawrocki – Ganiou – Antonio
Risser
Lens’ playing style.
A “tradition” of sorts has been taking hold over the past few years: Lens employs a highly attacking style of play, frequently utilizing a three-man defense. The aim is to press—ideally to inflict early damage, but otherwise to maintain control and wear down the opposition. It is an energetic style that is difficult to counter, yet it can occasionally leave gaps, thereby creating opportunities. Toppmöller has maintained this approach; indeed, it is likely this very philosophy that led to his recruitment by Lens.
PSG is well aware of this and knows it must hit the ground running for what promises to be an intense away match—one with a trophy at stake, even if it may not be the season’s most prestigious prize.
