Ten-man Lens produced one of the biggest upsets French football has seen in years on Sunday night, beating holders Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis to lift the Trophée des Champions for the first time in the club's history.
Florian Thauvin settled the French Super Cup in the 32nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Matthieu Udol's shot was scrambled away and coolly slotting past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov from close range.
The celebrations had barely died down before Lens were reduced to ten men. Seven minutes after the opener, defender Kyllian Antonio was shown a straight red card by referee Jérémie Pignard for a reckless, high tackle on PSG midfielder Maghnes Akliouche - a decision that infuriated the home camp, with Thauvin among those remonstrating with officials on the touchline.
From there, Luis Enrique's PSG, the reigning European and Ligue 1 champions, dominated the ball and pushed men forward but could not find a way through a deep, disciplined Lens defence that held firm for the remainder of normal time.
Lens qualified for the fixture as holders of the Coupe de France after last season's cup triumph, while PSG arrived as Ligue 1 champions - the traditional pairing for the season-opening French Super Cup.
PSG's frustration turned to farce in the 87th minute when Nuno Mendes was sent off in turn, catching Lens wing-back Michal Skoras with an elbow off the ball, leaving both sides briefly with ten men for the closing stages.
Lens saw out the remaining minutes to spark wild scenes at Bollaert-Delelis, sealing a first Trophée des Champions triumph in the club's history despite playing the vast majority of the match a man short.
It was a chastening opening statement of the new season for PSG, who were unable to convert their spells of pressure into clear chances and finish the game with two players sent off to Lens's one.
