A whirlwind spell in the French Super Cup final saw Lens take a shock lead through Florian Thauvin, only to be reduced to ten men following a reckless challenge from Kyllian Antonio.
The Super Cup France final between Lens and PSG burst into life with a dramatic opening half. Against the odds, it was Lens who struck first through Florian Thauvin, only for their advantage to be followed by a major setback just seven minutes later.
In the 32nd minute, the former Udinese winger showed his instincts inside the box, getting on the end of a dangerous cross-shot from Udol and calmly side-footing the ball into the net from close range. The goal gave Lens a shock lead and stunned a PSG side that had been expected to dominate the contest.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. Just seven minutes later, in the 39th minute, Kyllian Antonio, born in 2008, was shown a straight red card following a reckless challenge on Akliouche, catching the midfielder high on the ankle with his studs.
The dismissal completely changed the complexion of the final. Antonio, visibly devastated after leaving his teammates with a numerical disadvantage, walked off the pitch in tears.
Lens must now withstand the pressure from PSG with ten men as they attempt to protect their precious lead and complete a major upset.