Paris eliminate Lille and advance to the quarter finals!
Paris Saint-Germain were victorious in their Coupe de France round of 16 game at the Parc des Princes. Take a look at this impressive win (3-0).
It was the start of a long but exciting week for the Parisians as they welcomed Lille in the cup. Mauricio Pochettino opted for a new starting 11 in the Coupe de France without Presnel Kimpembe, Marco Verratti and Kylian Mbappé at kick off.
In this cup game the top two teams in the league started quickly: a lot of intensity in the duels and a real tactical battle with fast attacks. Our Rouge et Bleu had to focus against a dangerous LOSC side as shown by Keylor Navas, who had to save a Yilmaz effort early on (5e). But barring that slight worry it was the defending champions who scored first! Like the poacher he is Mauro Icardi took advantage of a loose ball to hammer it home and break the deadlock (1-0, 8').
With this narrow lead in the bag the Parisians started to find some gaps to create chances. Di Maria hit a volley (21') à and Paredes had an effort from distance (29'), the Rouge et Bleu upped the tempo. But they still needed to maintain their defensive stability while the LOSC were still dangerous through Yilmaz once more, who hit the bar with his attempt (30').
And that hard work payed off! Because just after, Kylian Mbappé who'd just come on for Icardi won a penalty that hit tucked away himself brilliantly (2-0, 42'). Despite the Lillois giving their all in the second half the Parisians didn't slow down and bounced back at the other end with the attacking trio of Mbappé - Kean - Di Maria causing havoc.
Lille tried to fight back but the Parisian defence held strong. Even Keylor Navas who was as decisive as ever on his line (62', 67'), came out of his area to clear the ball confidently. As if that wasn't enough the fantastic Costarican went one further by saving a penalty brilliantly from Yazici this time (78'). A wall! To crown it all off the club from the capital showed their ruthlessness with a breakaway from the incredible Kylian Mbappé - the World Champion scored his second brace in consecutive Coupe de France games (3-0, 90+3'). Work well done.
As a result Paris Saint-Germain book their ticket for the Coupe de France quarter final for the 28th time in history! Ideal preparation before travelling to Lyon in four days in a top of the table clash...