Merveille Kanjinga opened the scoring for PSG in the 25th minute, but RC Lens refused to fade—new signing Sherly Jeudy rose at the death, nodding the equalizer in the 84th minute to earn the hosts a celebrated 1–1 draw in their first Arkema Première Ligue fixture.
Arriving at the historic Stade Bollaert-Delelis on a charged evening, PSG’s title aspirations met their first real test of the season—one that wouldn’t go entirely to script.
It was Merveille Kanjinga, the Congolese striker, who struck first for PSG, expertly finishing off a move in the 25th minute with help from playmaker Joe Echegini. PSG’s early dominance—ball retention, pressing intensity, attacking variety—suggested they were setting the pace. Yet, rising from the pressure, Lens held firm in numbers, their newly assembled side showing composure beyond their years.
As the clock ticked into its latter stages, the Bollaert crowd, already buoyed by Lens’s spirited performance, found the moment of magic they’d hoped for. Sherly Jeudy, off the bench, met a cross with precision in the 84th minute, unleashing a header that found the net and rewrote the narrative of the evening.
That strike turned a likely PSG victory into a morale-boosting draw—Lens’s reward for a performance steeped in pride, poise, and home-ground resolve.
What This Result Tells Us
Lens Make History with Heart
In their first-ever match in France’s top flight, Lens never wilted. Jeudy’s late equalizer wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. A packed stadium—reportedly over 10,000 fans—witnessed their rise to the Première Ligue and the beginning of a new era.
PSG’s Perfect Start Derails Late
Despite controlling the first half and converting early, PSG were unable to deliver the knockout blow. Their season opener ends in a draw—an outcome far from expected and a reminder that momentum must be maintained until the final whistle.
Managing Expectations Under Pressure
New coach Paulo César saw a team comfortable in pattern play yet vulnerable at the defensive edge. There were signs of structure—but if PSG’s dreams for a fast ramp-up are to stay on track, they now know early season tests won’t be straightforward walks.