Lens Secure Coupe de France Semi-Final Spot After Dramatic Penalty Triumph over Lyon

Key Takeaways:

• Lens progressed to the Coupe de France semi-finals for the first time since the 2009/10 season after defeating Lyon 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation time
• Florian Thauvin netted in the 23rd minute, registering his eighth goal of the season, and converted the decisive penalty in the shootout
• Lens will host Toulouse in the upcoming semi-final, while Lyon suffered their third consecutive defeat, ending a nine-match home winning streak at Groupama Stadium

Match Overview

Lens edged closer to securing their first-ever Coupe de France title with a heart-stopping victory over Lyon, prevailing 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 deadlock in normal time. Both teams began the fixture knowing that, as the only Ligue 1 representatives from the current top seven left in the competition, a triumph would elevate them as tournament favourites moving forward.

The match was marked by shifts in momentum, dramatic late goals, and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout that sealed Lens’ place in the semi-finals for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign.

FIRST COUPE DE FRANCE SEMI-FINALS FOR LENS SINCE 2010 🔴🟡 pic.twitter.com/U0RZHbOZyZ

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 5, 2026

First-Half Action and Lens’ Early Dominance

Managed by former Lyon boss Pierre Sage, Lens started the match on the front foot before the home side gradually established their rhythm. Lyon’s Moussa Niakhate came close from a corner, while captain Corentin Tolisso’s deflected shot narrowly missed the target. However, it was Lens who broke the deadlock: in the 23rd minute, Saud Abdulhamid surged down the right and unleashed a powerful shot. Remy Descamps could only parry the effort, leaving Florian Thauvin to slot home into an unguarded net for his eighth goal of the season.

Lens maintained their attacking intent, extending their streak of scoring in 10 consecutive away fixtures. Odsonne Edouard was denied by Descamps’ reflexes when he was presented with a golden opportunity to double the visitor’s lead. The persistence of the Sang et Or paid dividends as Abdallah Sima latched onto Thauvin’s incisive through ball in first-half stoppage time and powered his effort inside the near post, securing his fourth Coupe de France goal this season.

Second-Half Comeback and Late Drama

Lyon emerged for the second period intent on mounting a comeback. Roman Yaremchuk signalled their intent by striking the crossbar just after the hour mark. Shortly after, substitute Remi Himbert delivered a teasing inswinger, and Yaremchuk headed home at the penalty spot for his maiden goal with Les Gones.

Emboldened, the hosts pressed for an equaliser, while Lens sought to hold firm. The game took another twist in the fourth minute of stoppage time: Yaremchuk outmanoeuvred Robin Risser, nodding the ball into Himbert’s path, who delicately lifted it into the empty net, sending the tie to penalties.

Penalty Shootout and Aftermath

The penalty shootout provided further suspense. Robin Risser, who had been at fault for Lyon’s late equaliser, redeemed himself by saving from Niakhate. Florian Thauvin then coolly dispatched the decisive spot-kick, ensuring Lens’ progression.

Lens will now prepare for a home semi-final fixture against Toulouse. Lyon, meanwhile, are left to reflect on their third straight loss and the ending of a dominant nine-match winning streak at their Groupama Stadium.

Key Match Statistics