In-depth Analysis
Lens head into the 2025/26 Coupe de France final with more advantages than Nice, from their higher Ligue 1 position to the consistency they have shown throughout the season. However, the gap between the two sides is not large enough to make this an easy match for Pierre Sage’s team. Nice remain an extremely difficult opponent to overcome, especially in knockout matches.
Lens’ biggest strength right now lies in their explosive attack. On their road to the final, they scored 16 goals in just four matches — an incredibly impressive rate. Their crushing 4-1 victory over Toulouse in the semifinals perfectly highlighted the team’s pace, aggressive pressing, and clinical finishing.
Under Pierre Sage, Lens have also shown clear growth in both tactical organization and mentality. Finishing among the top teams in Ligue 1 once again reflects their stability in big matches. In their last five games across all competitions, Lens have scored 12 goals, showing that their attacking form is currently at a very high level.
Still, Lens are not without weaknesses. They sometimes leave spaces open during defensive transitions, and that is exactly where Nice could capitalize. Despite struggling somewhat in Ligue 1 and still being involved in the relegation battle, Nice have looked completely different in cup competitions. They eliminated several difficult opponents on their way to the final and kept clean sheets against Strasbourg and Lorient.
The head-to-head record also gives Nice some confidence. Claude Puel’s side are unbeaten in seven of their last eight meetings with Lens across all competitions. The two teams also drew 1-1 earlier in May, showing how balanced their recent encounters have been.
However, Nice are generally more effective when playing on the counterattack. In a final where Lens are expected to dominate possession and push forward, Nice may look to exploit quick transition opportunities.
Even so, overall Lens are still considered the stronger side thanks to their consistency, attacking variety, and the feeling of a team reaching maturity at the perfect moment. While Lens can fully focus on winning the trophy, Nice must also divide their attention with the Ligue 1 relegation battle.