Lens Reaches French Cup Semifinals After Penalty Shootout Win Over Lyon
LYON, France (AP) – Racing Club de Lens advanced to the semifinals of the French Cup on Thursday, defeating Olympique Lyonnais in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw. The victory continues a surprising season for Lens, who currently sit as strong contenders to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
Florian Thauvin scored the decisive penalty, securing Lens’ place in the final four. The team will face Toulouse on April 22nd, while Strasbourg will host Nice in the other semifinal matchup. A win would mark the first French Cup title in the club’s history.
Thauvin opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a misplayed save by Lyon goalkeeper Rémy Descamps. Abdallah Sima extended Lens’ lead in added time of the first half, powerfully striking the ball to make it 2-0. Sima was a late replacement for Wesley Saïd, who was injured during warm-up.
Lyon mounted a comeback in the second half, with Roman Yaremchuk heading in a goal in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit. Rémi Humbert then equalized for Lyon in the fourth minute of stoppage time, forcing the match to a penalty shootout.
Lens converted all five of their penalties, while Lyon’s Moussa Niakhaté missed his attempt, handing Lens the victory.
Lens manager Pierre Sage returned to the Groupama Stadium for the first time since being dismissed by Lyon in January 2025, having previously guided the club to European qualification and saved them from relegation.
“I’m exhausted, I’m very tired, I feel like I played the match,” Sage said after the game.
The defeat is a setback for Lyon, who are currently third in Ligue 1 and will face Celta Vigo in the Europa League round of 16. Manager Paulo Fonseca will be looking for a response from his team when they face Paris FC on Sunday.
This report includes information from Le Monde and the Associated Press.
