Paris Saint-Germain and the Coupe de France: Part I (1980s)
The Coupe de France is more than just a tradition! This Saturday, against Rennes, the capital club will take part in its 17th final and, above all, go in search of a record 13th title. All week leading up to the big day, PSG.FR will take a trip down memory lane, stopping off at each of the Rouge et Bleu's finals, starting with the first in the 1980s...
Act I - 15 May 1982, at the Parc des Princes: Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 (6-5 on pens) AS Saint-Étienne
Despite playing at home, Paris Saint-Germain were anything but favourites against Saint-Etienne and Michel Platini's last game in France before joining Juventus. But at the end of an incredible evening of twists and surprises, the capital club lifted its first ever trophy. Toko opened the scoring in the 58th, before Platini equalised (76'), sending the game into extra-time. Les Verts' playmaker then got his second of the night in the 99th minute as ASSE looked to have one hand on the trophy... But it was another France international (and former Saint-Etienne star!) Dominique Rocheteau who equalised at the death (120th minute)! Overwhelmed, the Paris fans invaded the pitch to celebrate the last-gasp goal and club chairman Francis Borelli famously kissed the pitch. It took half an hour for the penalty shootout to get underway. The Parc held its breath as Jean-Marc Pilorget stepped up and scored the capital club's sixth and final penalty to secure victory! Still now, 37 years later, every moment of the evening remains etched in the memory of the supporters. The stuff of legends...
Act II - 11 June 1983, at the Parc des Princes: Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 FC Nantes
13 months later and the Cup remained in the capital after another spectacular match of football. Nantes had clinched the league title and seemed destined to secure the double after José Touré fired them to a 2-1 lead at the break with one of the competition's most famous goals. But Paris Saint-Germain had their own secret weapon: a certain Safet Susic, who equalised with a stunning individual goal (65'), before setting up Toko for the winner (82'). Five goals and some simply breath-taking football: the Parc was spoilt that night as Paris Saint-Germain captain Dominique Bathenay lifted his second cup in as many years and a record fifth for an individual player!
Act III - 8 June 1985, at the Parc des Princes: AS Monaco 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
This time, Safet Susic and Toko were muzzled by the Monaco defence and an inspired goalkeeping performance from Jean-Luc Ettori. In this 68th Coupe de France final, the principality side took advantage of a goal-mouth scramble to fire the only goal of the game past Jean-Michel Moutier (Genghini, 14'). With the captain's armband that night, Luis Fernandez would have to wait to lift the famous trophy. Patience Luis, your time will come…
On Thursday: The 1990s and 3 Coupe de France triumphs in 3 finals!