A huge shock at the Parc des Princes! Two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain were knocked out by Paris FC (0-1) in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France!
Paris FC is no minnow, but this is still an incredible feat in the French Cup round of 32! On Monday evening, Paris Saint-Germain was knocked out at home by the newly promoted side (0-1).
PFC ambitious in their play
Not at all discouraged by their recent defeat at the Parc des Princes (2-1 on 8 January) in the league, Paris FC came up with an ambitious game plan. Their high pressing disrupted PSG’s build-up play. It was the visitors who created the first chance through Gory, whose cross-shot was well saved by Chevalier.
This was enough to wake up Luis Enrique’s men, who also looked dangerous at times, notably with Barcola, whose cross-shot was palmed away for a corner by goalkeeper Nkambadio, who was then forced into action again to save Ramos’ lob and another attempt from Kvaratskhelia before the break! Solid at the back, Paris FC had a good first half against a rather uninspired European champions.
Nkambadio was heroic!
Nevertheless, PSG had the best chances in a rather disappointing first half. We expected a better show after the break, and that’s what we got. PSG clearly stepped on the gas, resulting in a wave of opportunities in front of the goal of the outstanding Nkambadio! The newly promoted side’s goalkeeper didn’t need to intervene when Barcola missed his chance. But he was heroic in his duel with Dembélé, who came on at the same time as Doué and Nuno Mendes on the hour mark. Things were heating up for PFC.
And yet, it was Paris FC who found the breakthrough on the counter-attack thanks to former youth player Ikoné (0-1, 74′). Needless to say, the home side pushed even harder with the help of the crowd. It became increasingly electric, even unbearable, when Zaïre-Emery’s shot hit the bar! Or when Doué missed his header from point-blank range in added time! Miraculously, PFC held on until the final whistle and caused an earthquake in the Coupe de France by knocking out the two-time defending champions!
