Lens recovered from a heavy midweek European defeat to claim a third successive Ligue 1 victory, overturning a deficit to beat Liam Rosenior’s Paris FC 2-1 and deny them the chance to move top of the table.

On a wet and windy evening, Lens controlled much of the early possession, although Paris FC looked dangerous when breaking forward. Obed Nkambadio appeared unsettled in the visiting goal, but Lens could not capitalise on an early misunderstanding with his defence or a poor pass which almost sent Franjo Ivanovic through one-on-one.

As the opening spell settled, Florian Thauvin delivered a free-kick which appeared to strike Diego Coppola’s hand as the defender challenged for the ball. Referee Mathieu Vernice was advised by VAR to review the incident, but decided the contact was not enough to justify a penalty.

Lens responded by creating a clear opening, with Florian Sotoca forcing Nkambadio into an excellent save with a powerful diving header.

Paris FC then produced the first shot on target of the half in the second minute of stoppage time and took the lead. Luca Koleosho ran on to Lassine Sinayoko’s pass before placing his finish beyond Robin Risser and into the bottom-left corner for his first goal of the season.

The visitors almost extended their advantage moments after the restart. Jean-Clair Todibo was initially shown a red card for bringing down Ilan Kabbal as the last defender, but VAR ruled that Kabbal had been marginally offside and the dismissal was overturned.

Kabbal was presented with another opportunity shortly afterwards when he tried to meet Emmanuel Mbemba’s low cross. He failed to make proper contact and then sent his follow-up effort high over the Lens crossbar.

That miss proved costly as Thauvin marked his 300th Ligue 1 appearance with a superb equaliser. Cutting in from the right, the Lens forward found the bottom corner with a precisely placed shot which gave Nkambadio no chance.

The goal prompted Lens to increase the pressure, with Thauvin again at the centre of the decisive moment. His excellent cross into the Paris FC penalty area found Thorgan Hazard, who controlled the ball on his chest before finishing left-footed to complete the comeback and secure all three points for Yannick Cahuzac’s side.

The result was Lens’ fifth consecutive head-to-head victory over Paris FC. It moved them up to sixth place, while Paris FC remain one point ahead of them after suffering only their second Ligue 1 defeat of the season.

Florian Thauvin was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.

Lens came from behind to beat Paris 2-1 at home in the eighth round of the French championship, with Thorgan Hazard scoring the decisive goal seven minutes from time.

Paris led at half-time after Luca Koleosho opened the scoring in the second minute of added time.

Lens responded after the break and drew level in the 63rd minute when Florian Thauvin restored parity.

The hosts continued to press for a winner and completed the turnaround in the 83rd minute, when Hazard struck to secure victory.

French journalist Jean-Philippe Leclair of Challenges.fr has discussed reports that Paris Saint-Germain are ready to extend goalkeeper Matvey Safonov’s contract.

Leclair described the Russia international as the club’s “undisputed number one”, while also acknowledging that “there are certain doubts” surrounding the goalkeeper.

He shared his assessment in an exclusive interview with the online publication Euro-Football.Ru.

Safonov’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs until the summer of 2029.

Paris Saint-Germain’s rearranged Ligue 1 match against Lyon will take place at the same time as the Ballon d’Or ceremony, meaning the club’s delegation in London will be affected.

The game was moved from Sunday to Monday at the request of Paris police, who are dealing with a wave of violent protests in the French capital and preparing for the first NFL regular-season game in France.

Pittsburgh Steelers play New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday, placing further demands on the police operation.

PSG manager Luis Enrique said he had no concerns about the fixture being rescheduled, despite the clash with an event at which his club has a record 10 nominees.

“If we play on Monday, it's better given the current situation. I accept it very cheerfully,” Luis Enrique told a news conference.

“You have to keep in mind that Sunday is a special day, there's an American football game, plus the current situation.”

The match between second-placed PSG and leaders Lyon will kick off at 20:30 Paris time (19:30 GMT), a few minutes before the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London concludes with the presentation of the men’s award.

PSG’s nominees are led by defending winner Ousmane Dembele and World Cup winner Fabian Ruiz. Lyon lead PSG on goal difference, although the first six teams are separated by one point and both clubs could be outside the top three by Monday.

Luis Enrique insisted the timing of the ceremony would not influence his preparations.

“It doesn't interest me in the slightest. I remain focused on the match,” he said.

“Many of our players could win the Ballon d'Or. We'll see who takes it home, but it won't change anything regarding what we are striving for as a team.”

Club sources said the rearrangement would inevitably affect the Parisian delegation attending the awards ceremony.

PSG injuries

PSG also face injury concerns after losing three players during Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Barcelona.

Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos suffered thigh injuries, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is facing knee surgery and a longer period on the sidelines.

Luis Enrique said Kvaratskhelia would return stronger because “he is a warrior”.

“It's hard to stay positive after news like this,” the PSG manager added. “It's a risk that comes with being a professional player.”

Despite the injuries, he said the team would continue in the same manner while remaining difficult for opponents to predict.

“It will be business as usual,” he said. “I don't want to change anything I've been doing, yet at the same time, I want to change everything. That's what you have to do to remain unpredictable.”

Luis Enrique also confirmed PSG do not intend to make new signings during the winter transfer window.

“We're not going to ease up. We're a family. We have two or three players out injured, but that's part of competition at the highest level.”

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says the team’s unity will be crucial after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was ruled out for a long period with injury.

The Georgia attacking midfielder will miss PSG’s French league match against Lyon on 26 October.

Speaking about how his side will cope without Kvaratskhelia, Luis Enrique said: “This is where our strength lies.”

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has praised defender Ilya Zabarnyi, acknowledging the progress made by the Ukraine international.

“It was not easy for him,” Luis Enrique said of Zabarnyi.

Paris Saint-Germain’s next match is on Monday, 26 October, when they host Lyon in Ligue 1.

PSG’s match against Lyon has been moved from 25 to 26 October because police resources are being used to deal with protests in France.

The change means players from the Paris club will be unable to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which is taking place on the evening of the original fixture date.

PSG manager Luis Enrique has commented on the scheduling decision.

Ten of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or represent PSG.

PSG manager Luis Enrique has addressed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s serious knee injury, saying the club are monitoring the transfer market but not specifically because of the Georgian forward’s absence.

“We are monitoring the market, but not because of injuries,” Luis Enrique said.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has suffered significant damage to his knee and is expected to be unavailable for a long period.

PSG return to Ligue 1 action on Monday, 26 October, when they host Lyon.

Paris Saint-Germain are pleased with Matvey Safonov’s performances and have begun discussions with the Russian goalkeeper’s representatives over a new contract, according to Foot1.

The Ligue 1 champions want to extend Safonov’s current agreement until 2030. His existing deal with the Paris club is due to expire at the end of June 2029.

Safonov joined Paris Saint-Germain from Krasnodar in July 2024. The goalkeeper’s current transfer value is estimated at 30 million euros.

He has made seven appearances in the current Ligue 1 season, conceding nine goals.

Safonov and Khvicha were both given poor ratings for their performance in the match against Barcelona.

PSG are considering a move for 18-year-old Mexico international Gilberto Mora after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury.

The Paris club are seeking attacking reinforcements because the Georgia winger is expected to be unavailable for an extended period. According to transfer insider Ekrem Konur, Mora is among the players being assessed by PSG ahead of the January transfer window.

Mora currently plays for Tijuana, where he is under contract until 2029. His transfer value is estimated at 25 million euros.

The teenager has already attracted interest from a number of leading European clubs. Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all previously been reported to be monitoring his situation.

Messi recommendation

Mora was also recommended to Barcelona by Lionel Messi, according to the source.

PSG are now expected to compete with the clubs already linked with the Mexican forward as they consider how to replace the injured Kvaratskhelia in their attacking options.

It is too soon to judge how Matvey Safonov has developed during his time at PSG, according to Rinat Dasaev, the silver medallist from UEFA Euro 1988.

Dasaev said goalkeepers should be assessed only after they have completed at least several seasons, rather than on the basis of a short run of performances.

The former goalkeeper acknowledged that Safonov still makes mistakes but believes it is premature to draw firm conclusions from them.

Safonov has made 12 appearances in the 2026/2027 season and has conceded 16 goals.

Former Spartak Moscow coach Raul Riancho has backed Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Spanish coach selected Ruiz when discussing who should receive the prestigious individual award. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, 26 October, in London, England.

Ruiz is regarded by Riancho as the only player who has won both the World Cup and the Champions League.

The previous edition of the award was won by Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.

A Barcelona shirt and a captain’s armband bearing Lionel Messi’s personal autograph were among the items stolen during street unrest in Paris, after protests over the high cost of living escalated into widespread looting.

The disorder caused serious damage in the centre of the French capital, affecting both major chain stores belonging to international brands and small independent businesses.

The stolen memorabilia had been transferred to the Paris football museum after Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The Argentina international played for the French club from 2021 to 2023.

Nice came from behind to beat Brest 2-1 away from home in the eighth round of the French league on Friday, 23 October.

Brest took the lead in the 15th minute when Ludovic Ajorque found the net. The hosts protected their advantage until half-time, but Nice responded strongly after the break and turned the match around.

Elye Wahi equalised in the 61st minute to bring Nice back into the contest. Sofiane Diop then completed the visitors’ comeback seven minutes from time, scoring in the 83rd minute to secure all three points.

There were no further changes to the score.

Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Athletic Club forward Nico Williams as they assess their options following Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s serious knee injury.

The Paris club have monitored the 24-year-old for several years and regard him as one of the candidates who could strengthen their attack. Sport.es, citing Eurosport, reports that his potential signing is being examined because of Kvaratskhelia’s absence.

Kvaratskhelia tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League match against Barcelona on 20 October. The forward is not expected to return to action before May 2027.

Williams has made seven La Liga appearances for Athletic Club this season and has scored one goal. According to Transfermarkt, the Spain international’s current market value is 40 million euros.

Former Lokomotiv president Nikolai Naumov believes Matvey Safonov is unlikely to finish among the top three contenders for the Lev Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the previous season.

Safonov was included in the 10-player shortlist for the award, but Naumov expects the Russia international to place outside the top three when the votes are counted.

Naumov said goalkeepers who have not appeared at major international tournaments face a difficult task competing with those who have. He described the European Championship and World Cup as a “fairground” for players seeking recognition.

The Lev Yashin Trophy will be presented on Monday, 26 October, at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 meeting with Olympique Lyonnais has been postponed from Sunday to Monday after police requested the change because of a wave of violent protests in Paris.

The match, which was due to take place at 8:45 pm (1945 GMT) on Sunday, will now be played at 8:30 pm on Monday.

“The LFP takes note of the police decree prohibiting the staging of the game between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday at 8:45 pm (1945 GMT) and has decided to reschedule the match for Monday at 8:30 pm,” the French league said in a statement.

Paris police are expected to deploy resources elsewhere this weekend as authorities prepare for further demonstrations in the capital and across France. The unrest follows some of the worst urban violence in years, which occurred on the margins of protests a week ago.

The disturbances began during nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living. Since then, partial curfews have been imposed in parts of Paris and other cities in an effort to prevent further violence.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Friday that about 70,000 security personnel would be deployed across the country this weekend. He also warned that messages encouraging violence and looting were circulating on social media.

Several Paris museums, including the Louvre, have announced they will close on Saturday. Art Basel Paris, the French capital’s biggest annual art fair, will also end two days earlier than planned because of the risk of protests.

The rearranged fixture could create a scheduling problem for Paris Saint-Germain because it now falls on the same evening as the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Ten Paris Saint-Germain players are among the 30 nominees for the award, including last year’s winner Ousmane Dembele.

The club faced a similar situation a year ago when it had to play on the night of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Its match at Marseille was postponed by 24 hours after storms.

The disruption to the Ligue 1 schedule does not affect Sunday afternoon’s NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, which is still due to begin at 2:30 pm (1330 GMT).

The fixture will be the first NFL game staged in France and is scheduled to take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the northern outskirts of Paris.

Earlier this week, another French top-flight match was moved after a police request. Toulouse’s Ligue 1 game against Troyes was shifted from Saturday to Sunday.

Matches in France’s second-tier Ligue 2 have also been rescheduled this weekend at the request of police.

Paris Saint-Germain’s nominated players will be unable to attend Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London after the club’s Ligue 1 match against Lyon was moved to the same evening.

The award ceremony will feature 30 nominees, including 10 players from Paris Saint-Germain. However, the rearrangement of the league fixture means the club’s players will have to remain in France rather than travel to London for the event.

The change was announced on Friday, with the match switched from Sunday evening to Monday evening.

In theory, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could still make the journey because he is injured. But the Georgia international is preparing for major knee surgery after suffering a serious injury and is unlikely to attend the ceremony.

Paris St-Germain’s Ligue 1 meeting with Lyon has been moved from 25 October to 26 October after police prohibited the game from taking place on the originally scheduled date.

The Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed the change following concerns over possible protests. Reports earlier this week said police were preparing for demonstrations that were expected to be larger than previous actions.

The match will now kick off at 20:30 local time on 26 October, which is 22:30 Moscow time.

Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is in his third season with PSG.

Kenya manager Benni McCarthy says Michael Carrick should be given more time at Manchester United, but believes Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique would be his preferred replacement if the club decides to make a change.

United have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign and sit 13th in the Premier League with seven points from seven matches. They have won one game, drawn four and lost two.

Their poor run has also extended to seven matches without a victory in all competitions. The latest setback was a 4-1 defeat by Serie A side Como in the UEFA Champions League.

Carrick is under increasing pressure as a result, with reports suggesting United could consider replacing him. However, McCarthy, who previously worked as an assistant coach at the club under Erik ten Hag, believes the former midfielder should be backed.

“He’s a young manager, and even if you go and change now, who are you going to get in his place?” McCarthy told Sporty TV, as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“For me, the most deserving manager that I would love to see at Man United is Luis Enrique, but he ain’t going to leave PSG. I wouldn’t do that if I were him.

“They have the money, but I think you’d be a nutcase if you left what is being built at PSG to come to Man United.”

McCarthy also praised Carrick’s work towards the end of last season and said the club should support him with the players he wants.

“Michael (Carrick) has done really well in the back end of last season,” he said.

“So, support him, back him, give him the trust, give him the support that he needs, and give him the players that he wants to bring in. The players respond to him, and they play well under him.”

The former South Africa international said United needed to improve their recruitment and add greater competition to the squad whenever progress had been made.

“There’s no consistency because when you do well, you’ve only done wellnot amazing,” McCarthy added.

“You have to recruit better; you have to add quality to the team that’s done well.

“Every single time some sort of stability comes, you see the following season there aren’t enough quality players brought in to create competition and strengthen the side.”

McCarthy said United had repeatedly failed to build on positive periods, leaving them vulnerable to falling behind their rivals.

“We’ve done well, so we keep the same team. We got to provide competition for the players that we have,” he said.

“So that’s why they keep strengthening the team, and Man United don't seem to do that very well when they’re on the back of a good season; then they rest on their laurels, and instead of adding to help those players now to elevate them, they just keep it the same.

“Then you have shortcomings in the new season, and everybody kind of seems to pass you by, and I think that’s what they need to try and change: a better recruitment structure and a more consistent basis.”

Despite the pressure surrounding him, Carrick is expected to remain in charge when United host Bournemouth in a Premier League fixture on Sunday.