PSG returned to their Coupe de France commitments this weekend with a visit to RC Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Paris Saint-Germain progressed to the French Cup last 32 after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout win against Lens, following a 1-1 draw after regular time on Sunday.
The hosts seemed to have the upper hand for a brief period, with M’Bala Nzola putting them ahead in the 66th minute. However, the striker later became the architect of his team’s downfall, missing a crucial penalty in the shootout.
PSG’s reserve goalkeeper, Matyev Safonov, proved to be the hero, saving Andy Diouf’s spot-kick, which handed the Parisians the victory after all of their penalty-takers converted successfully.
“I’m happy, but I don’t think I deserve the man of the match,” Safonov said to beIN Sports. “Stopping penalties is just part of a goalkeeper’s job. It was a tough match against a very good team.”
Despite their dominance throughout most of the game, PSG found themselves level at 1-1 until Goncalo Ramos equalised in the 70th minute, sending the tie into penalties.
“We’re happy with the result, but it wasn’t the performance we wanted,” said Nuno Mendes. “After 90 minutes, we were still tied, but we held our nerves during the shootout. The important thing is that we’re through to the next round. Now, it’s time to rest before focusing on what lies ahead in 2025.”
Looking ahead, PSG will face Espaly, a fourth-tier side, in the next round, which will take place between January 14-16.
“It’s always tricky in the cup,” Mendes concluded. “Anything can happen, so we’ll need to stay focused and give it everything we’ve got.”
Let’s move on to the individual ratings for the Parisian players.
