On Sunday, Paris Saint-Germain faced R.C. Lens (1-0) in the Trophee des Champions 2026, where, to the misfortune of the Parisian team, they handed the victory to their rivals. PSG attempted to win another title this season, and we have to remember that the team beat Aston Villa (2-1) in the UEFA Super Cup 2026, so the fans were very confident. However, they did not win the title this time, and the main issue was the team's lack of precision in front of the opposing goal; no matter how much they tried, they couldn't find the net. The match, of course, did not go unnoticed by the Parisian fans, who did not hesitate to make themselves known, visibly upset on social media. PSG's central defender, Illya Zabarnyi, spoke to the cameras after the defeat and admitted the team's lack of effectiveness. Speaking to PSG TV, Zabarnyi, 23, said that he classifies the day as 'very bad' for the team. Despite the opportunities created in the match, they simply could not win. "We are going to prepare for the rest of the season because we know how difficult it is. It is essential for us, as a team, to get back on the right track. We are going to focus on the next match, and we are going to win," he assured. The young Ukrainian also said that, in the past, playing at Stade Bollaert-Delelis had been difficult because of the strong atmosphere surrounding the rival, so this time was no different. "In the past, when we came to play here, it was difficult. There was a very good atmosphere, and they are a good team. I congratulate Lens. They played a good match," he concluded. The now two-time Champions League champion dominated the match for the most part, but luck played a bad trick on them, and sometimes, soccer is like that. Despite having won glory many times, the Parisian team had to endure a bitter taste on this occasion. That is why some players, such as Achraf Hakimi, have come out to speak about the defeat. That is why the fans must also understand all possible points of view: the players are visibly exhausted from previous competitions and not performing at their best, and the big stars who served as substitutes are no longer there. The variables are many, but clearly PSG must take advantage of the situation to not let their guard down in the upcoming challenges that present themselves. Paris Saint-Germain will face Stade Rennais FC next Sunday, Aug. 23, officially beginning the new Ligue 1 season.
⏱️ 90’+5 I It ends in defeat tonight. #RCLPSG 1️⃣-0️⃣ I #TDCpic.twitter.com/74aDCOvWfw — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 16, 2026