Football/ Lens – PSG: Paris qualifies on penalties (1-1, 4-3)
Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France after a tense 1-1 draw with RC Lens, winning 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Despite dominating possession, PSG struggled to break down the solid defensive block of Lens, who fought hard throughout the match.
The game started under heavy rain, with PSG controlling the ball but finding it difficult to break through Lens’ well-organized defense. The first notable chance came in the 17th minute when Koffi made an error, but it was not punished. The match remained fairly even until the 66th minute, when Khusanov capitalized on a defensive mistake by PSG to open the scoring for Lens. However, PSG responded quickly, with Gonçalo Ramos equalizing in the 70th minute after a poor clearance by Danso.
The game grew more intense towards the end, with both teams creating chances, but the score remained tied, leading to a penalty shootout. PSG’s goalkeeper, Safonov, became the hero, saving penalties from Nzola and Diouf. PSG won 4-3 in the shootout and will face Espaly, a National 3 club, in the next round.
It was a hard-fought victory, but it showcased PSG’s resilience in crucial moments.
