Key Takeaways:
- Lens advanced to their first Coupe de France final since the 1997/98 campaign after a 4-1 semi-final win over Toulouse
- The team have now achieved 14 victories in their last 15 home matches
- Florian Thauvin opened the score and delivered an assist for Lens’ second goal
Dominant First-Half Display Sets the Tone
Lens entered the semi-final brimming with confidence following their comeback win over Toulouse in Ligue 1 just four days prior. Displaying their intent early on at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, the hosts imposed themselves from the outset. The breakthrough came after Pape Demba Diop fouled Florian Thauvin in the area; Thauvin promptly dispatched the resulting penalty past Kjetil Haug to open the scoring.
Spurred by this early lead, Lens doubled their advantage in the 18th minute. Thauvin demonstrated superb vision to find Allan Saint-Maximin, who struck a clinical finish from 20 yards into the bottom corner. Although Toulouse managed to pull one back thanks to Santiago Hidalgo capitalising on a defensive lapse from Samson Baidoo, the remainder of the half was controlled by the hosts.
Odsonne Edouard was denied by Haug before Matthieu Udol added a third, slotting home from close range after Saud Abdulhamid provided a precise cross on the stroke of half-time.
𝙊𝙉 𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙀𝙉 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙀 ❤️💛
Spectaculaire et emmené par un Bollaert des (très) grands soirs, le Racing s'impose largement et rallie la finale de la @coupedefranceCA pour la première fois depuis 1998. Merci Lensois !!! 👏#RCLTFC #CoupeDeFrance pic.twitter.com/yB1hIKQFeS
— Racing Club de Lens (@RCLens) April 21, 2026
Lens Extend Lead and Cruise to Victory
Lens maintained their domination after the break, with Edouard threatening on more than one occasion. In contrast, Toulouse struggled to find any attacking fluidity. The tie was effectively settled in the 74th minute; following a saved Thauvin free-kick, Abdulhamid unselfishly set up Adrien Thomasson for a simple finish, making it 4-1.
With a three-goal cushion, Lens comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, while Mamadou Sangare and Abdallah Sima both came close to extending the lead further. The final whistle confirmed a historic night for Les Sang et Or, who will now prepare for their first Coupe de France final appearance in 26 years, with Strasbourg or Nice set to be their opponents.
What’s Next for Lens?
This semi-final triumph brings Lens within touching distance of their maiden Coupe de France title, as they await the outcome of the tie between Strasbourg and Nice to discover their final opponents.
