On Sunday evening, Paris Saint-Germain won the round of 32 of the Coupe de France 2024-2025 at Stade Bollaert on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. Here are our top and bottom stories.
Tops –
Safonov – The day of glory
He’s often heckled because nobody knows him, but on Sunday, he won a battle with PSG. A saviour on the penalty shoot-out, it’s not said often enough, but for a goalkeeper, it’s complicated to stop balls from such close range. If the shooter doesn’t make a mistake, there’s little chance. Safonov seized his, when he had to, and PSG will end the year unbeaten in France.
Ramos – The “super sub” serial goalscorer
Since his return, he’s been scoring incessantly, even though he’s rarely a starter. We have to give him credit for his qualities: he can score, he can play with the ball, he can play with his partners and, last but not least, he can defend. He’s a young but complete player, capable of doing PSG a lot of good.
16th final of the Coupe de France
For the 35th consecutive year, PSG will reach the last 16 of the Coupe de France. It will be a much easier match on paper against an N3 team. Of course, their consistency isn’t much in evidence in this competition, but it’s also important to remember that this is a strong club with a track record that stretches back more than 14 years. They’re a tough team to beat.
Flops –
Individuals on the inside
We’re not going to lie, but most of the players (with the possible exception of Doué) had an average game. There was always something missing, and that could have been costly. On the whole, Lens hurt Paris in the second half, and you’ve got to hand it to them: the end of the game wasn’t that easy.
Not enough risk-taking in forward play
We understood that we had to be in control, but that didn’t stop us from trying to destabilize our opponents with more forward play. Whether it’s Vitinha, Lee, Neves or Ruiz, the passing game is often bland. Of course, there are occasional flashes of brilliance, but you get the impression that the 8 planets of the solar system have to align to see any risk-taking.
