February 05, (THEWILL) – Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Coupe de France quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over third-tier Le Mans at Stade Marie-Marvingt on Tuesday.
The defending champions, fielding a mix of first-team regulars and squad players, managed the tie efficiently despite a spirited start from the hosts.
Defender Presnel Kimpembe marked his return after a nine-month injury absence, featuring for the final 15 minutes to bolster Luis Enrique’s side.
Le Mans threatened early, with forward Theo Eyoum striking the side-netting inside the opening 10 minutes.
PSG gradually imposed their technical superiority, however, and broke through in the 25th minute. Goncalo Ramos dispossessed a defender near the penalty area, allowing Desire Doue to drive a low finish into the bottom-left corner.
The hosts nearly equalised before half-time when Antoine Rabillard headed over from close range after goalkeeper Matvey Safonov misjudged a cross.
The visitors sealed victory in the 71st minute through substitute Bradley Barcola, who latched onto Nuno Mendes’ through-ball before chipping calmly over Le Mans goalkeeper Ewan Hatfout.
Achraf Hakimi later forced a sharp save from Hatfout, while Safonov redeemed his earlier error by tipping Dame Gueye’s overhead attempt wide in stoppage time.
PSG’s disciplined second-half display ensured minimal drama despite intermittent pressure from the lower-league side.
The result extends Paris Saint-Germain’s unbeaten run in the Coupe de France to 14 matches, dating back to their 2023 final defeat.
Luis Enrique’s side will learn their quarter-final opponents in Friday’s draw, while Le Mans exit with credit for their determined performance.
PSG remain on course to claim a record-extending 15th Coupe de France title, having won six of the last nine editions.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
