Paris secure their spot in the Round of 32

The first weekend of January sees the Coupe de France makes its appearance! As tradition dictates, while families across France draw kings, Paris Saint-Germain entered the competition. Against US Revel, a team from R1 (regional league), who this Sunday night were playing a special match against the reigning French champions. On the pitch of Castres Olympique, PSG aimed to secure their ticket for the next round by overcoming the challenge posed by the underdog.

In a reworked starting 11, with Mbappé wearing the armband, Paris Saint-Germain quickly took control of the game. Gonçalo Ramos had the first effort, a powerful half-volley that Garcia spectacularly saved (3'). Then, Kylian Mbappé tried his luck with a strong right-footed shot that narrowly missed the target (7'). Although the players from Revel caused a moment of tension in the Paris box, Asensio came close to finally breaking the deadlock but was once again denied by the impressive Garcia (15').

However, the US Revel goalkeeper couldn't do anything to deny Mbappé just moments later, when the Rouge et Bleu captain concluded a wonderful piece of football. It followed a triangle involving Danilo and Soler. Soler, served by Danilo, found Mbappé in the heart of the box, and Mbappé controlled with his right foot before swiftly finishing with his left to beat Garcia (0-1, 16'). With his 28th goal (in just 22 matches) for Paris in the Coupe de France, KM7 drew level with PSG's all-time leading scorer in the competition, François M'Pelé.

Luis Enrique's men continued their efforts and had no intention of relying on that single goal. But Garcia once again stepped up his game, first against Asensio (20') and then to deny Mukiele (28'), keeping his team afloat on both occasions.

Then, from on a devastating counter-attack, Les Parisiens finally doubled their lead. Asensio sent Mukiele on his way down the right. His cross to Ramos seemed destined for a goal, but it was the Revel defender, N'Guessand, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net (0-2, 38'). The floodgates seemed ready to open. Unfortunate on several occasions against Garcia, Asensio finally increased his side's lead just before half-time (0-3, 43'). And then it was four, when Soler and Asensio showed real brilliance as the former delicately served the latter, who then found Mbappé with a wonderful lob pass, enabling the captain to head the ball home powerfully and become PSG's all-time top scorer in the history of the competition with 29 goals (0-4, 45+2').

After the break, Kylian struck once more. Asensio navigated through a tight space and provided an assist to his captain, who finished into an empty net to complete a hat-trick (0-5, 48'). Les Parisiens continued to dominate in the second half and Ramos scored the 6th goal from the penalty spot, after an ultra-rapid counter-attack (0-6, 71'). Then, Kolo Muani netted the 7th goal for his team, tapping home an excellent cross from Mukiele (0-7, 77').

Throughout the match, the players from Revel played with their hearts, honouring their status as an undefeated team in their R1 group. Several times, they lifted the crowd at the Stade Pierre Fabre, but they were never rewarded. It was Cher Ndour who was, scoring his first goal for Paris Saint-Germain. From another counter-attack, Mbappé held up the ball and found his teammate 20 metres away, who had all the time in the world to unleash a powerful shot, and increase the scoreline (0-8, 86'). Randall Kolo Muani took charge of scoring the 9th goal for his team, completing his brace. It came from a long ball over the top of the defence from Danilo. His perfect control allowed him to beat Garcia and finish into an empty net (0-9, 90').

A comprehensive victory that secures their ticket for the next round. The draw is planned for Monday evening, so Paris will soon know their opponent for the match that will take place later in January.