PSG-Reims: Summary of the Parisians' demonstration in the Coupe de France final
Stade de Reims had no chance of pulling off a spectacular victory against Paris Saint-Germain (3-0) in the final of the 108th edition of the Coupe de France on Saturday, May 24 at the Stade de France. With their respective fixtures in mind – a Champions League final for PSG, and a second leg play-off for Reims to secure their place in Ligue 1 – neither team's mind was entirely focused on this encounter, which was nonetheless a fruitful one, at least for the capital club.
From the start, PSG's attacking armada quickly challenged the Champagne rearguard, who were cornered and then forced to give way despite the efforts of their goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf. On services from Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola found the back of the net twice in a few minutes ( 16th , 19th ), imitated later by Achraf Hakimi ( 43rd ). However, the players of Spanish coach Luis Enrique could have been more punitive, so dominant were they.
The second half, less intense, saw both teams ease off the pace, facing a match whose outcome was already known at halftime. Winner of its 16th Coupe de France, PSG thus further established its dominance in the oldest French competition. But its eyes remain fixed on May 31st and its final European clash, against Inter Milan in the Champions League. As for Reims, their fate will be decided beforehand, on May 29th when they host Metz, after a first-leg playoff without a winner (1-1).
What to rememberThe big gun. Bradley Barcola.
The lanky French winger was in charge of every goal. Scoring a brace, well-served by his Parisian attacking partner Désiré Doué, the former Lyon player returned the favor to Achraf Hakimi, delivering a solid and particularly decisive performance.
The thread of the match.
1-0, 16th: On a counter-attack led by Désiré Doué from midfield, Bradley Barcola is found in depth, then comes face to face with Yehvann Diouf, beaten by the French striker's slightly crossed shot!
2-0, 19th: Marquinhos plays Désiré Doué into the heart of the Reims area, who passes it back to Bradley Barcola at the far post. The winger just has to push the ball into the net.
3-0, 43rd : Fabian Ruiz plays Bradley Barcola down the left wing, who crosses to the far post. He finds Achraf Hakimi, who had been overlooked there, and powerfully fires home the effort from close range.
The sentence. Désiré Doué was categorical, speaking to France Télévisions: "We must win, we must take all the trophies."
In keeping with the playing philosophy advocated by his coach, Luis Enrique, the Parisian striker didn't mince his words, even at halftime of the Coupe de France final. A symbol of a certain state of mind ahead of the Champions League final.
The match's grade. "B-"
On our sports grading scale of "A" to "E," this one-sided Coupe de France final earns a grade of "B-." Paris's dominance and ease in the first half suggested a lesson would be taught, but the slow pace of the second half ultimately delivered a lackluster encounter.
The image.
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