Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

Holders PSG to face fifth division Espaly in Coupe de France

La prolongation à l'issue du temps règlementaire des matches de Paris Saint-Germain have won the Coupe de France a record15 times since the inception of the competition in 1917. AFP/Archives

Ligue 1 pacesetters Paris Saint-Germain were drawn on Monday to face fifth tier FC Espaly next month in the last-32 of the Coupe de France.

PSG and Espaly needed penalty shoot-outs to progress to the tie. PSG, who beat Lyon in May to claim the 2024 crown, came from behind to overcome top flight Lens after the match ended 1-1.

Gonçalo Ramos cancelled out M'Bala Nzola's 66th minute opener for the hosts at the Stade Denis-Bollaert.

And goalkeeper Matvey Safanov provided the heroics during the spot kicks. The Russian, vilified for his clumsiness during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich, saved two shots to keep PSG on track for a record-extending 16th Coupe de France crown.

"When the team shows the character to come back from a goal down and win on penalties, I'm very happy," PSG boss Luis Enrique told the French broadcaster beIN Sports. "It was a difficult game but wins like this strengthens the team's spirit. I definitely like the team's attitude. It's a good way to end the year."

On Friday night, at the Stade du Viouzou Espaly saw off third division Dijon 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after the game ended 1-1.

The standout tie in the last-32 features top flight sides Marseille and Lille. Other all-Ligue 1 clashes pit Reims against Monaco and Brest against Nantes.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.