Coupe de France: Barcola saves PSG's blushes

On a day of Coupe de France action that saw plenty of upsets, we came close to seeing what would have been a historic result in the day's final encounter, as Ligue 1 McDonald's heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain were nearly taken to penalties by fifth-tier side Espaly. While Luis Enrique's side eventually ran out 4-2 winners, the amateurs gave as good as they got against a relatively strong PSG.

A shock early lead

 While Luis Enrique did put out some little-used players, including teenage defender Axel Tape and third-string goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, he still named the likes of Désiré Doué, Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola in the team's attack. His caution was proven deserved just three minutes into the match as Kevis Gjeçi headed the amateurs ahead following some slack defending. After a moment for the match to settle, PSG began to press for an equalizer.

First Doué was denied by a fine save from Jordan Etienne, then there were shouts for a penalty after Ramos was brought down in the area. Just after the half hour, Etienne was again sharp to deny Senny Mayulu but his fellow teenage midfielder, Warren Zaïre-Emery, would level the match with an audacious strike from range.  

Well done to FC Espaly for their run in the @coupedefrance and the performance tonight! 🏆

Good luck for the rest of the season 🤝 pic.twitter.com/18vI2MXuo2

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 15, 2025

Barcola and Ramos come good

After the break, the pace of the match slowed, but it was finally Doué who gave the capital side the lead midway through the second half. In the ascendancy and a goal to the good, PSG's progress seemed assured, but Espaly would level just four minutes later, and nearly took the lead as Tenas spilled a shot from close range. 

As the match looked headed to added time and then penalties, Barcola pounced to turn home a fine cross from substitute Nuno Mendes before Ramos added an insurance goal from the spot in added time, sealing the Ligue 1 McDonald's leaders a place in the Round of 16. Up next are a crucial pair of matches against RC Lens in the league and then Manchester City in the UEFA Champions league next midweek.

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