Lens Wins First French Cup, Defeats Nice 3-1 in Final

Lens achieved a historic victory by winning the French Cup for the first time, defeating Nice 3-1 in the final held at Stade de France on Friday. Florian Thauvin, a member of the French squad that won the 2018 World Cup, opened the scoring.

Lens took a commanding 2-0 lead late in the first half, but Nice's Djibril Coulibali scored his first senior goal to reduce the deficit. Despite hitting the woodwork twice in the second half, Nice could not equalize.

Lens secured their win when substitute Abdallah Sima scored in the 78th minute, igniting celebrations among their supporters. This victory capped a superb campaign for Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1, qualifying for the next season's Champions League.

This was Lens' first French Cup win despite having reached the final three times previously, with their last significant title being the league championship in 1998. Meanwhile, Nice's defeat adds to their struggles as they sit third from the bottom in Ligue 1, facing a two-leg playoff against Saint Etienne to maintain their top-flight status.