Coupe de France: The story of Espaly, PSG's non-league opponents
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Fifth tier FC Espaly are gearing up for the match of their lives against Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de france.
Espaly-Saint-Marcel may only have a population of 3,500 - but tonight the entire town will be behind their club as Paris Saint-Germain come to town in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France. The whole population of the town will be travelling up to Clermont, at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin for the clash. The popularity of the tie is telling, given that only an hour after tickets were put on sale the entire 15,000 allocation was sold out.
The Ligue 1 McDonald's Champions will be facing an XI of non-league players who will be playing the match of their lives against the side from the French capital. Some of Espaly's players have played at the professional level, such as 38-year-old captain Joachim Ichane. Speaking to L'Équipe, the experience will be special for the former Niort, Laval, and Stade de Reims player. "At my age it's something you don't even dream of. It's a bit like the icing on the cake of our little career. But we're going to play to our strengths, in the spirit of the competition in order to try and win. We want to enjoy the moment and have no regrets."
Espaly may be struggling currently in their National 3 campaign this season, but they will be able to count on Ichane who has had previous experience in the Coupe de France. If PSG are searching for their 16th Coupe de France title, Ichane will be playing in his 16th cup campaign. In his heyday in Ligue 2, he was part of the Reims side that knocked out both Montpellier and Rennes on their way to the 2011 quarter-finals.
They also have a former Brazilian international among their ranks. Yes, albeit two caps in a Seleçao shirt, Emanuel Bernardino could also be a big threat for the hosts - his spell with Shakhtar Donetsk gives him a lot of experience. As many of the players at this level Bernardino has another job as a local city council member.
The club created drama last time out, knocking out National 1 side Dijon at their small but iconic Stade Viouzou, built into the side of a massive cliff. They will have to travel to Clermont to face the French champions, but manager Lionel Vaillant is keeping his feet on the ground.
"We're going to stick to our principles. Even if we usually like to have the ball and start from the back. We saw that on Sunday with Saint-Étienne (beaten 1-2 by PSG), who pressed hard from the outset and were quickly caught off-balance. We can't afford to go looking for them that high up. There's a spot in the round of 16 to go after."
Les Parisiens face Espaly tonight at 21:00 (CET) with the addition of Presnel Kimpembe in the squad for Luis Enrique's side. For both sides, it should be an intriguing affair at the Stade Marcel Michelin.
