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.
Issued on: 23/12/2024 - 13:32
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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.