Paris Saint-Germain, without World Cup winner Lionel Messi and suspended Neymar, lost for the first time in any competition since March 20 last year when they were defeated 3-1 at Lens on Sunday.
“Lens deserved their win,” said PSG coach Christophe Galtier.
Lois Openda scored one and set up another as Lens, who have only lost once in Ligue 1 this season, closed the gap on PSG at the top to four points after 17 rounds.
Galtier said he hoped French fans would give Messi a similar reception.
“He’s going to join us on January 3 in 48 hours,” said Galtier. “I hope Leo will be well received. He won the most beautiful trophy for being very good. We know he’s a great and decisive player, so we hope he’ll be well received.”
“Kylian worked hard,” said Galtier. “He showed an excellent attitude.”
“Leo and ‘Ney’ were not there, but that is no excuse”, he said.
Lens were less welcoming once play started. They took the lead after five minutes when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked an effort from Massadio Haidara to Przemyslaw Frankowski, who scored.
Hugo Ekitike replied three minutes later, swinging hard as Brice Samba dived to gather a cross and drove the ball through the Lens goalkeeper’s grasp.
Lens took control after 28 minutes. Seko Fofana won possession on the edge of his box, drove through a couple of challenges, and then measured a pass between the PSG central defenders to Openda. The Belgian sprinted clear and squeezed a shot under Donnarumma.
Lens struck the decisive blow two minutes into the second half.
Openda’s backheel in the penalty area left the defence flat-footed and set up Alexis Claude Maurice to score from close range.
