Paris victorious in the Coupe de France!

The Coupe de France still maintains its charm. The charm that sees clubs from the top flight travel across the country to play teams from across the divisions, including against teams that ply their trade in amateur football. On Sunday, it was therefore in a particularly unique atmosphere that Paris Saint-Germain travelled to the North of France to face Entente Feignies Aulnoye, who play their football in the National 3. And for this first encounter between the two sides, there was a previously unseen starting eleven! Given that Mauricio Pochettino rested several senior members of his squad, the coach took advantage of the encounter to rotate his team, giving Sergio Ramos game time in defence, Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe in midfield and Xavi Simons in attack.

It had to be expected. As is so often the case, it's the physical impact that makes the difference in the doyenne of French competitive football. And against a very tight block, Les Parisiens were going to need to attack in order to make the break. Between team moves and individual runs, our Rouge et Bleu took the match by the scruff of the neck, driven forward by a particularly active Mauro Icardi, who called the home side's goalkeeper into action with a strike from distance (3'), scored a goal that was eventually flagged offside (12'), and defended well at the other end of the pitch.

And given that we are talking about impact. It was from Kylian Mbappé that the first glimpse of light was seen! The World Champion won a penalty after an excellent piece of skill, and he made no mistake from the spot (0-1, 16'). Les Parisiens could then take control of operations. Domination that was almost rewarded, with several good chances, including Icardi hitting the post (21'), this strike from Paredes that was caught by the goalkeeper (24'), and then another penalty won by Kylian Mbappé, who was knocked off balance in the box. This time, it was Mauro Icardi who stepped up to convert (0-2, 30')!

In his first ever start, young Xavi Simons didn't hesitate to make his mark on the game, actively participating in his side's attacking moves. And it was his audacious pass in a training ground move that allowed Les Parisiens to score a third goal through the unstoppable Kylian Mbappé (0-3, 51').

Mauricio Pochettino then took the opportunity to provide the club's academy products with opportunities in the game, bringing on Edouard Michut and Ismaël Gharbi after an hour. The visitors continued to attack the home side's goal, with high quality team moves. And Bitshiabu El Chadaille also came on to join the party for the final ten minutes of the match.

The score would remain unmoved and without any action of note at the other end of the pitch - as shown by the 33 shots for Les Parisiens and just four for the home side - that the club from the capital honoured its reputation in the Coupe de France. There is now just one final encounter on the cards for 2021, on Wednesday at Lorient!