50 legendary matches: A 'Classique’ final!

Thanks to the club’s prolific striker Pedro Miguel Pauleta, Paris Saint-Germain secured victory over Nantes at the very end of the semi-final and earned their ticket for the final of the Coupe de France. A particular final too given that it would see Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille face each other for the first time at this stage of the competition. 

The whole of France was on tenterhooks ahead of this first 'Classique' final in the Coupe de France, which brought together two sides that had been disappointed and frustrated by their seasons. Paris, who had just lost at the Parc des Princes against the league champions, Lyon, could only qualify for Europe with victory over Marseille in the final. 

The Stade de France was full to the brim to witness the match and Les Rouge et Bleu quickly took the lead. After a mislaid pass from Edouard Cissé, Taïwo tried to clear from the edge of his penalty area. Cissé continued his efforts, blocked the ball into the path of Kalou, who opened the scoring with a powerful effort under the bar (0-1, 6').

There was only one side at the races and Les Marseillais lost Pagis to injury and looked broken. Paris increased their lead just after the break, when Modeste M’Bami countered quickly. The Cameroonian - and future Marseille man - found Vikash Dhorasoo through the middle. The Parisian play maker rushed towards Fabien Barthez's goal, held off a desperate challenge from Lamouchi and beautifully struck at goal with his right foot (0-2, 49'). The PSG supporters jumped for joy as their side dominated the game. Bonaventure Kalou (54') and Jérôme Rothen (62') struck the woodwork. Edouard Cissé - who would also go on to play for Marseille - had the chance to get the third, but Barthez stood strong (64').

OM woke up on the hour mark and pushed to reduce the Paris lead, and did so when Maoulida got the equaliser (1-2, 67'). Paris wanted this Cup and Les Rouge et Bleu battled to maintain their lead, driven by captain Pedro Pauleta, who defended with passion. A final chance fell to Lamouchi but Lionel Letizi showed his authority and the referee brought the game to an end. Pedro Pauleta could proudly lift the trophy at the Stade de France, which by that time was half empty after the premature departure of the OM fans. 

11 million spectators watched the match from their sofas, while the game went off without even a hint of an issue between the fans. Paris took home the victory in this exceptional "Classique” and won the club's 7th Coupe de France trophy. The Parc des Princes paid tribute to their side just a few days later at the final game of the season, at home against Ajaccio.

MARSEILLE - PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN : 1-2 (0-1)
Coupe de France - Final
Stade de France (Saint-Denis)
Referee: Mr. Duhamel.
Goals: Kalou (6'), Dhorasoo (49') for Paris. Maoulida (67') for Marseille.
MARSEILLE: Barthez (cap.)- Beye (Nasri, 80'), Déhu, Civelli, Taïwo - Meïte, Cana, Lamouchi, Ribery - Maoulida, Pagis (Oruma, 37'), Niang. Coach: Jean Fernandez.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: Letizi - B.Mendy, Rozehnal, Yepes, Armand - E.Cissé, M’Bami, Dhorasoo, Rothen (Paulo Cesar 86') - Pauleta, Kalou. Coach: Guy Lacombe.