Paris eliminate Nice to reach the semi-finals!

In the whirlwind of an exciting schedule, marked by away trips, competitions and emotions as diverse as they are varied, Paris Saint-Germain returned to the Parc des Princes to re-immerse themselves in the charm of the Coupe de France. The Parisians were up against Nice, with a place in the last four up for grabs! Unbeaten for more than 4 months, but facing the only team that had beaten them in the league this season, it was time to banish our old demons against this Nice team! Luis Enrique had concocted a starting line-up that was as attacking as it was attractive, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in the attacking line-up. Without Marquinhos, the Spanish coach once again relied on the Hernandez-Beraldo central defensive pairing.

As expected, Paris-Nice was a tactical battle between two teams renowned for their methodology and their pursuit of the ball. The difference is that while Les Aiglons have built their strategy on a tight defence, they were up against a Rouge et Bleu side far from short on goals this Wednesday evening. And when it came to scoring goals, it was the Rouge et Bleu who were quick to make their opponents dizzy, relying on their speed and dribbling skills to send shivers around the stadium. And who better than the competition's top scorer? After a magnificent one-two with Fabian Ruiz, the insatiable Kylian Mbappé again showed his eye for goal to break the deadlock (1-0, 15'). Clinical.

In the end, that was all we needed. The opening goal to ensure total control of the match and not merely a flurry of chances. From a hungry Gonçalo Ramos (23') to Mbappé hitting the post (25'), not forgetting Kang-in Lee's attempt (30') or Ousmane Dembélé's ball that skimmed the frame of the goal (31'), you guessed it: it was one wave after another on Bulka's goal, an old acquaintance of the Parc. Until it gave way! The second goal came from midfield. The ever-present Ousmane Dembélé won the ball back from the press and guided it into the path of Fabian Ruiz, who slotted home with the inside of his foot. (2-0, 32').

Fluid, together, and coherent, the Parisians were putting on a show for their home crowd... But against all expectations - and especially against the run of play, as Nice had their heads completely under water - they pulled a goal back through Laborde after a confusing passage of play (2-1, 37'). It was a burst of pride that gave them a moment of strength, but the half-time interval stopped them in their tracks.

After the break, it was the stung Parisians who came back with determination to apply their coach's instructions. Luis Enrique's men did just that, and were rewarded after Kylian Mbappé's lightning-quick finish. And it was our talented youngster Lucas Beraldo, waiting at the far post, who placed a perfect helmet kick to score his very first goal in a red and blue shirt! (3-1, 60'). It was a wonderful moment for a new arrival who already has the fans singing his name at the Parc!

In a match like this, where defeat means elimination, Francesco Farioli's players were expected to go all out in the final half-hour. This provided a finish that was as perilous as it was open. But the Rouge et Bleu stuck together right to the end to hold on to their precious lead and give their fans something to cheer about.

With a masterful display, Paris Saint-Germain are through to the last four of the 2023-24 Coupe de France, where they will meet Stade Rennais. It's another step on the road to all our conquests. Next up, we head south on Sunday for a match against Montpellier before an electric Classic against rivals Marseille after the international break.