Paris into the last 16!

News

Background:
Thomas Tuchel announced his intentions from the outset: "I've only been to the Stade de France once before, to watch Les Bleus. I want to go back for the final... and win it!" Standing in their way: Strasbourg, the only team, along with Bordeaux, to have got a draw against Paris in Ligue 1 this season (1-1, 5 December). Paris were coming off a 9-0 win over Guingamp and looking to continue on their winning ways...

Highlights:
Paris burst out of the blocks with Cavani just failing to get on the end of Bernat's cross inside the opening minute. But the home side didn't have to wait long. Thiago Silva went long to Choupo-Moting who brought the ball down off his chest and found El Matador to blast home (1-0, 4').

Da Costa, with a long-range effort saved by Areola (14'), reminded the Parc that Strasbourg also boast the second-best attack in Ligue 1 and had won their last four away matches in a row. But two curling Neymar Jr free-kicks (29', 34'), and a great team move between Cavani, Di Maria and Neymar Jr (34') went close to adding a second goal for the hosts.

Goncalves sent a missile flying just wide of Areola's upright (37'). And then a Cavani header drew a great save from Sels (39'), before Di Maria, hit the post after RCSA's Belgian 'keeper had denied Neymar Jr (44')... Paris led 1-0 at the break.

Paris continued to dominate after the restart with Choupo-Moting drawing another fine save from Sels before Neymar Jr brought the crowd to its feet with a rainbow flick, header and rasping drive that flashed just wide. Unfortunately it was to be the Brazilian's last contribution as he left the field with an injury to his right foot - replaced by Moussa Diaby (61')!

The fire went out of the game until the final ten minutes when Areola denied Gonçalves (79') before Draxler crossed for Di Maria to make the game safe (2-0, 80'). There was still time for Jesé to make his first appearance for Paris since December 2016 (90+1' - replacing Choupo-Moting) as the capital club heads into the last-16!

The word: record (again)
Paris Saint-Germain is now the undisputed record holder for the most consecutive wins (26) in Coupe de France history! The last side to beat the capital club was Montpellier (1-2), back on 22 January 2012.