Lens Pursues Historic Coupe de France Run, PSG Welcomes Dembélé Back to Squad
PARIS – RC Lens is within striking distance of a remarkable season, continuing their pursuit of both a Ligue 1 upset and their first-ever Coupe de France title. The team advanced to the semi-finals of the Coupe de France on Thursday with a penalty shootout victory over Lyon, setting up a clash with Toulouse for a place in the final. Strasbourg and Nice will contest the other semi-final. Currently, Lens trails league leader Paris Saint-Germain by just four points in Ligue 1.
PSG, meanwhile, prepares to host Monaco on Friday in the third meeting between the two sides in as many weeks. A boost for the French champions comes with the return of Ousmane Dembélé to the squad, after the forward missed the previous three matches. PSG recently overcame Lens in the Coupe de France, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw on December 22, 2024, securing their place in the last 32.
In a separate event, Lionel Messi received a White House honor on Thursday. The Argentine superstar and his Inter Miami teammates were recognized by US President Donald Trump for their 2023 MLS Cup victory.
Across the English Channel, Tottenham Hotspur faces increasing relegation concerns. The club suffered its fifth consecutive Premier League defeat, falling 3-1 to Crystal Palace at home and now sits just one point above the relegation zone.
