Lens reached the semi-finals of the French Cup football competition by defeating their hosts, Lyon, on penalties 5-4 (2-2 after extra time) on Thursday in the quarter-finals. The two teams resorted to a penalty shootout, which Lens won after Saudi defender Saud Abdulhamid was one of the successful penalty takers. Lens, who are second in the French league behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain, took the lead in the first half with two goals: Florian Thauvin (23) followed up a shot from Saudi defender Saud Abdulhamid, and Abdoulaye Seck (45+1). Lyon responded in the second half thanks to goals from Ukrainian Roman Yaremchuk (67) and young substitute Remy Umbert (90+5).
