Paris FC achieved the greatest feat in its history by eliminating PSG in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France (0-1). The route plan decided by Stéphane Gilli was quite simple. Put up a wall and resist, as long as possible, trying to seize the slightest opportunity. The idea was perhaps to hold out until the penalty shootout. But thanks to Jonathan Ikoné, the scenario took a dreamlike turn. The FC bet players scored on one of their four shots on Chevalier’s goal (25 for PSG). A perfect shot.
Parisians relied on three virtues: courage, solidarity and discipline. Sometimes tossed in all directions, they never gave in, keeping their defensive structure and reducing the spaces for attackers whose habits they know all. The winning coaching of Gilli, who brought in Ikoné and Kebbal in the second period, will remain a remarkable move, which brought real life to his team.
Nothing would have been possible without Obed Nkambadio (8). Put in competition with Kevin Trapp, the 22-year-old goalkeeper perfectly seized his chance to show all his qualities. If his style is not always academic, his efficiency is formidable and he made seven saves, often spectacular, disgusting Barcola, Dembélé and all the stars of the camp opposite. He undoubtedly had the best match of his short career. In front of him, the 5-man defense held up perfectly thanks in particular to an excellent Timothée Kolodziejczak (7) who demonstrated an exquisite sense of anticipation. Octavio (6) has for its part confirmed its rise in power. The Brazilian is gaining confidence which bodes very well for the second part of the season. Moustapha Mbow (6) also rose to the occasion. His above-average physical power allowed him to cut off several opposing attempts. In the right corridor, Noah Sanghi (5.5) was often overtaken by Barcola’s speed but he didn’t make any big mistakes. On the left side, however, Tuomas Ollila (3) suffered a lot against Kvaratskhelia and gave way at the break to Thibault De Smet (5)concentrated and courageous against Dembélé at the end of the match.
In front of the defense, Adama Camara (6) and Maxime Lopez (6) carried out an enormous amount of pressing work, stifling the PSG midfielders, less inspired than usual and far from their usual form. *
Cafaro (4)positioned in the left lane, ran a lot in space but disrupted Zabarnyi’s restarts, thus giving momentum to the rest of the team. Alamami Gory (5) also tried to cut as much of the transition as possible. Just before half-time, injured in a thigh, he gave way to Jonathan Ikoné (6) who scores on his first opportunity. Willem Geubbels (5), less prominent than a week ago, was replaced by Ilan Kebbal (6)freshly returned from the CAN where he played little. He visibly had ants in his legs and showed remarkable determination.
Notes
Nkambadio: 8, 5.
blood 5, 5.
Mbow : 6.
Kolodziejczak: 7.
Octavio: 6.
Ollila: 3 Replaced by De Smet (5).
Cafaro: 4.
Camara : 6, 5.
M. Lopez : 6.
Gory: 5. Replaced by Ikoné (6).
Geubbels: 5. Replaced by Kebbal (6)
